When you think about menopause the first symptom that comes to mind is generally hot flushes. If a book or TV programme wants to represent a woman character going through menopause she will be likely to be fanning herself frantically and saying ‘Is it me or is it hot in here?’

Of course, many women do experience hot flushes but there is much more to menopause than that. At the same time as the reproductive hormones are in decline, the major hormones (insulin, adrenaline, cortisol and thyroid) are also being impacted. The fluctuations in the hormones give rise to a number of changes in the physical, mental and emotional systems.

If you are approaching menopause you probably expect differences to your menstrual periods before they stop completely. Your periods may become more or less frequent and the flow may become heavier or lighter.

The common indicators are brain fog, weight change and mood swings. You might also experience:

Some of these symptoms may be indications of other medical issues such as an underactive or overactive thyroid, hypertension or anaemia. Some of these symptoms can also be the side-effect of medication or medical treatment. If you are not sure why you are experiencing symptoms then it is time to talk to your medical practitioner.

Enough doom and gloom! Menopause is not an illness and you do not have to be a victim of your hormones. There are actions you can take to improve your experience and lessen the frequency and intensity of your symptoms. And it doesn’t have to be difficult.

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