Brain fog has been, and continues to be, my worst symptom of menopause - and believe me, I have had a fair few!

The hot flushes and night sweats were intense. The heart palpitations, anxiety, low mood and irritability hit me like a bus. Once I started HRT, most of those symptoms eased significantly or disappeared. But the brain fog and memory difficulties lived on, and sadly still do.

Menopause and chronic pain often go hand in hand. As oestrogen fluctuates and then drops during perimenopause and menopause, it can affect how pain is felt in the body.

Menopause and perimenopause can be hard to recognise because the symptoms often overlap with other conditions. Many women go to the GP with tiredness, brain fog, anxiety, low mood, joint pain or poor sleep, only to be told it’s stress, ageing, or something else entirely. Sometimes that may be true — but sometimes it isn’t.

Perimenopause and menopause often feel like waves. One month feels one way, the next month feels different. That constant flux can make it hard to know what to do, or where to start, especially when life already feels busy and mentally overstimulating.

Menopause after cancer can arrive early, suddenly, or feel more intense than expected. Treatments can affect ovarian function, and some breast cancer medicines can “create or worsen a menopausal state.” The result is often a mix of hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disruption, mood changes, brain fog, vaginal and urinary symptoms, and joint pains.

What often changes in perimenopause and menopause

Skin changes in menopause can feel sudden. Common issues include more laxity (especially around the eyes and jawline), eye bags, jowls, and a general drop in skin quality. Skin can look dull, feel dry, become more sensitive, and seem more inflamed. Redness can appear for the first time, or older problems like acne and rosacea can flare. Pigmentation is also common.

Perimenopause and menopause can bring symptoms that knock confidence and change day-to-day life. These can include continuous bleeding, darker blood, irrational moods and poor sleep. Getting checked matters, because it can also uncover other health issues alongside perimenopause symptoms, such as pre-diabetes.

There can also be stigma. Looking “fit” or being active does not mean everything is fine, and it can affect how concerns are taken at first.

Energy can dip in midlife, alongside cravings, brain fog, mood changes and that “stuck” feeling. A steadier approach comes from shifting away from restriction and towards nourishment.

Menopause brings hormonal shifts that can affect metabolism and body composition, often leading to increased fat and changes in fat distribution, known as "menopause belly." The drop in hormones like oestrogen during this time can lead to more fat storage and less muscle mass, impacting overall metabolic health.

Menopause is a big deal in a woman's life, bringing along a host of symptoms and questions. The Menopause Mandate Helpline, backed by Holland and Barrett, is here to help women find their way through this phase. Rebecca Hall, an advanced nurse practitioner, shared some valuable insights during a recent chat.

Menopause is a big life change that can really shake up a woman's sense of self. With all the hormonal, physical, and emotional shifts, it's no wonder many women feel like they're losing touch with who they are. But understanding these changes and finding ways to deal with them can help women embrace this stage of life with confidence and clarity.

Menopause is a major milestone in a woman's life, bringing a mix of physical and emotional changes. Can HRT help?

Menopause can bring a host of symptoms, but natural therapies like aromatherapy and yoga offer some relief.

Menopause can be a challenging time, but understanding it better can make a big difference.

Menopause is a pivotal stage in a woman's life, bringing about various changes. This guide explores how early preparation can make the transition smoother.

Menopause is a big deal in a woman's life, bringing along a bunch of changes, especially for the skin. Let's dive into what happens to your skin during menopause and how to keep it looking its best.

Menopause is a big deal in a woman's life, bringing along a bunch of hormonal changes and symptoms. Let's break down what happens during menopause, why support is crucial, and how to manage it all.

Menopause is a big deal in a woman's life, bringing along a bunch of changes, especially when it comes to bone health. As oestrogen levels drop, bone density and muscle strength can take a hit. Here's what you need to know to keep things in check.

Menopause can bring about a range of changes, and one of the most talked-about is "brain fog." This isn't a medical term, but it describes the forgetfulness and trouble focusing that many women experience during this time.