Every year on 18th October, World Menopause Day provides an opportunity to open up the conversation around menopause, raise awareness and help women feel better informed and supported.
Menopause is a natural stage of life, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Symptoms can affect women physically and emotionally, and everyone’s experience is different.
This World Menopause Day, we’re looking at what menopause is, some of the common signs and symptoms, and the different ways women can support their wellbeing through this stage of life.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. In the UK, it usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can happen earlier. You reach menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months.
Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, when hormone levels begin to change and symptoms may start. According to the NHS, symptoms can begin months or even years before periods stop.
What Are the Most Common Menopause Symptoms?
Although hot flushes are probably one of the best-known menopause symptoms, the effects can be much broader.
Common symptoms of menopause and perimenopause can include:
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes to your periods
- Low mood, anxiety and mood changes
- Problems with memory or concentration, sometimes described as 'brain fog'
- Headaches or migraines
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle aches and joint pains
- Vaginal dryness
- Reduced sex drive
Symptoms vary considerably between women and can change over time. The NHS also notes that menopause symptoms can have a significant impact on daily life, including relationships, family life and work.
Looking After Yourself During Menopause
There's no single approach to menopause support that will suit every woman.
The NHS recommends measures such as getting plenty of rest, maintaining a healthy diet, regularly doing weight-bearing exercise, looking after your mental wellbeing and talking to other people going through the same experience.
For some women, treatment such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help with menopause symptoms. If symptoms are affecting your everyday life, your GP, nurse or pharmacist can discuss the options available and help you decide what's appropriate for you.
Natural Menopause Support & Your Everyday Routine
Alongside appropriate medical care, some women choose to make complementary approaches and herbal supplements part of their wider wellbeing routine during menopause.
At Herbs of Grace, our approach is about helping women feel informed and supported through different stages of life.
Our Menotune formula has been developed with a blend of carefully selected herbal ingredients for women going through menopause. You can explore Menotune and our wider range of women's health supplements on the Herbs of Grace website.
Herbal supplements aren't a substitute for medical treatment, and natural doesn't automatically mean suitable for everyone. If you're experiencing menopause symptoms, taking medication or have an existing medical condition, speak to a healthcare professional about what's appropriate for you.
World Menopause Day: Let's Keep Talking
One of the most valuable things about World Menopause Day is simply making menopause easier to talk about.
For generations, many women have reached this stage of life without feeling prepared for the changes they might experience. Better conversations can help women recognise potential symptoms, understand their options and feel more comfortable asking for support.
Whether you're approaching perimenopause, currently experiencing menopause or supporting someone who is, you don't need to have all the answers. You can find support on our Menopause FAQs page and access specialist information through Women's Health Concern.
