Menopause

The quality of our mental health is also a communication from our body – just like the physical symptoms. It is signalling to us that something needs attention. Here are some of the factors that may contribute to ill mental health during this time, and are worth taking into consideration.

If you’re in your 40’s and you’ve noticed your anxiety starting to creep in, perhaps a racing heart before bed, a feeling of dread you can't quite explain, irritability that feels bigger than the moment calls for, there may be a reason. Many women in their 40s describe this exact shift and wonder how and why it has seemingly appeared ‘all of a sudden’ without any clear explanation that they can pinpoint.

Vaginal dryness is one of those topics that affects a huge number of women – and not only through menopause. Women can also experience these kinds of symptoms during breastfeeding, from taking certain medications, or from other underlying factors - yet it's rarely talked about openly.

If you've noticed some leakage when you sneeze, laugh or exercise or a sudden, hard-to-ignore urge to urinate since your periods stopped, you're far from alone. This is one of the most common and least talked about, symptoms that women can experience with menopause. It certainly doesn’t mean it is ‘normal’ – however, yes it is very common.

Beyond the clinical language, Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause shows up in very ordinary and often very disruptive ways. The encouraging news is that treatment options for GSM are well established and most are simple, low-risk and effective. What works best often depends on symptom severity and how much a woman is prepared to address the underlying factors.

Changes to the vagina and vulva are a far more quiet topic that deserves more awareness and attention. Asking questions like why and how does this happen, as well as what options are available to support are super valuable for us as women.

Studies suggest that up to 60% of perimenopausal women report sleep problems … and night sweats are among the most commonly experienced contributors.

Progesterone is so much more than a reproductive hormone - supporting you with feeling settled and able to sleep.

Getting a restorative night’s SLEEP is such a critical component of our health, wellbeing and weight control.

Many women in their forties notice a shift in their mental health before they ever suspect perimenopause. Here's why the hormonal connection so often goes unrecognised — and what to do about it.