Menopause

Menopause: Understanding the Transition and Supporting Your Wellbeing

Menopause is a significant life stage which can bring changes to body, mind, relationships, and emotions. While menopause marks the end of the reproductive years, the impact can be felt well beyond a person’s last period. For many women, this time of transition is accompanied by physical symptoms, shifts in identity, and new emotional challenges.

At Mind Body Well, we offer compassionate therapies to help women feel more supported, informed and empowered during this time.

What Is Menopause?

Menopause refers to the life stage when menstruation has stopped for 12 or more consecutive months. The timing of this change can vary significantly, but commonly occurs between the ages of 45 to 55 years. Menopause can also occur earlier due to genetic reasons, medical conditions, or surgical procedures.

While perimenopause describes the period leading up to this transition, menopause itself is recognised retrospectively. Even after periods have stopped some symptoms may continue, as the body adjusts to lower levels of oestrogen and other hormonal changes.

Common Experiences During Menopause

The experience of menopause differs from person to person. Some may notice subtle changes, while others find the symptoms more disruptive. The more common symptoms include:

• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Sleep disturbance
• Low mood, anxiety or irritability
• Difficulty concentrating or memory lapses
• Vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex
• Changes in libido
• Weight gain or shifts in body composition
• Fatigue or low energy

Menopause can also affect bone density, heart health, and metabolism — making it a time when whole-person healthcare is particularly important.

The Emotional Impact

The menopause life stage often coincides with other major transitions — such as changes in family roles, careers, relationships, or health. These overlapping pressures can contribute to emotional strain or feelings of uncertainty.

For some, menopause may also trigger concerns around body image, ageing, or food and eating. For those with a history of eating disorders or body image concerns, these issues can re-emerge or take on new forms during this period of change.

Read more about this in the following blog post: Mental Health Concerns and Eating Disorders During Perimenopause.

Support For Women During Menopause

The significance of the menopause experience suggests it’s not something to simply ‘push through’ on your own. Many women benefit from both social and professional support, and encouragement not to go it alone, especially if they’re experiencing difficult symptoms. Professional support might include:

• Medical support: Close contact with a medical practitioner who understands women’s health and menopause is highly recommended. Your Doctor will assist you to manage the menopause transition, and can provide guidance about medical interventions if required, including Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
• Nutritional care: A qualified Dietitian can guide you through the requirements for nutritional adequacy at midlife, with a focus on energy, bone health, and eating patterns that feel sustainable and satisfying. We recommend Dietitians who work from a non-diet framework, to focus on health and wellbeing, as opposed to weight and appearance – which can become an unhelpful focus during this life stage
• Mental health support: A Psychologist can help you navigate the emotional, cognitive, and identity changes that often accompany menopause, and assist with coping strategies for what can be a very significant period of change

Menopause can be a deeply personal and even transformative life experience — but that doesn’t mean you have to manage it alone. Gone are the days when women suffered in silence and shame. Support is now available.

At Mind Body Well, our team of Psychologists and Dietitians can support women navigating the physical and emotional changes of menopause. Reach out to explore how we can support your wellbeing during this time.

The experience of menopause differs from person to person. Some may notice subtle changes, while others find the symptoms more disruptive. The more common symptoms include:

• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Sleep disturbance
• Low mood, anxiety or irritability
• Difficulty concentrating or memory lapses
• Vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex
• Changes in libido
• Weight gain or shifts in body composition
• Fatigue or low energy

Menopause can also affect bone density, heart health, and metabolism — making it a time when whole-person healthcare is particularly important.