Menopause: More Than Just Hot Flushes

Menopause is something every woman will experience, yet for many of us, it remains a subject we don’t talk about enough.

We often hear about hot flushes, night sweats or irregular periods. But menopause is much more than that.

It is a natural stage of life that can affect the body, mind, emotions, energy, sleep, relationships and even the way we see ourselves.

And the experience can look completely different from one woman to another.

Some women notice changes in their 40s. Others experience very few symptoms. Some feel the changes gradually, while for others they seem to arrive all at once.

So, what actually happens?

Menopause is the point when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. It marks the end of the reproductive years.

But the journey usually begins earlier.

Perimenopause is the transition towards menopause. During this time, hormone levels — particularly oestrogen and progesterone — fluctuate, and this can bring a wide range of physical and emotional changes.

You might notice:

• changes in your menstrual cycle

• hot flushes or night sweats

• changes in sleep

• tiredness or lower energy

• mood changes or feeling more emotional

• difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”

• changes in body composition

• changes in libido

• vaginal or urinary changes

• headaches or joint and muscle discomfort

And sometimes, the hardest part is simply thinking:

“Why don't I feel like myself anymore?”

You are not failing.

One of the most important things to remember is that many of these changes are not a sign that you are doing something wrong.

You don't suddenly need to become more disciplined, train harder, eat less or “get yourself together.”

Your body is changing — and sometimes the approach that worked for you ten or twenty years ago may simply need to change too.

This is where understanding your body, supporting your nervous system, moving regularly, eating well, prioritising recovery and looking after your mental wellbeing can become especially important.

Not because you need to “fix” yourself.

But because you deserve to feel supported through the change.

Menopause isn't the end of something good.

It can sometimes feel like menopause is presented as a list of things we are losing: hormones, sleep, energy, our old body, our youth.

But this stage of life can also be an opportunity to pause and ask:

What do I need now?

Maybe you need more rest.

Maybe you need different movement.

Maybe you need stronger boundaries.

Maybe you need to stop comparing yourself with the woman you were at 25.

Maybe you simply need permission to slow down and listen to your body.

There is no single “right” way to experience menopause.

And this is only the beginning of the conversation.

With love, 

We Move Well