Understanding Menopause: Symptoms, Causes, and How Nutrition Can Help
Menopause - awareness is certainly growing about the impact it can have on your life. With all the hormonal, physical, and emotional shifts - finding ways to deal with them can help bring back balances and confidence to your life.
It’s important to recognise it as a lifestyle that marks the end of menstrual cycles. Around 80% of women experience noticeable symptoms during menopause, though the severity and type can vary widely.
Common Symptoms
Some symptoms may be obvious, while others might feel unrelated to menopause:
Hot flushes and night sweats
Mood changes, irritability, or anxiety
Sleep disturbances
Fatigue and low energy
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Changes in skin, hair, or nail health
Digestive issues, bloating, or changes in appetite
Weight gain around the abdomen
You may find that a collection of these symptoms becomes the “new normal,” even though they may be linked to hormonal shifts that could be supported nutritionally.
Possible Root Causes
Menopause symptoms are possibly related to hormonal fluctuations, particularly decreases in oestrogen and progesterone. These changes may also affect other systems in the body, including digestion, blood sugar balance, and mood regulation. Other factors that might influence symptom severity include:
Nutrient deficiencies, especially magnesium, B vitamins, and vitamin D
Blood sugar imbalances
Stress and adrenal support
Gut health and inflammation
Lifestyle factors such as sleep quality, exercise, and diet
By looking at the bigger picture, we can see how interconnected these systems are and how nutritional support may help manage symptoms.
What a GP Might Do
When you first consult a GP, they may focus on ruling out medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, anemia, or other hormonal imbalances. They might suggest blood tests or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if appropriate. Many women arrive after trying lifestyle changes and over-the-counter solutions with limited success, which is where a functional nutrition approach can complement traditional care.
How I Support Women Through Menopause
When working with clients, I take a step-by-step approach to support hormonal balance and overall wellbeing:
1. Comprehensive Assessment: Review medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle factors.
2. Identify Root Causes: Consider nutrient deficiencies (e.g., magnesium, vitamin D, iron), digestive health, and stress patterns.
3. Functional Testing: Where appropriate, I may suggest tests for nutrient status, gut microbiome, or hormone levels to remove guesswork.
4. Tailored Nutrition Plan: Focus on nutrient-dense foods to support hormones, energy, and mood.
5. Lifestyle Recommendations: Gentle exercise, stress management, and sleep hygiene strategies.
6. Ongoing Support: Monitor symptoms and adjust the plan as needed for sustainable results.
Take the Next Step
If menopause symptoms are affecting your daily life, you don’t have to manage them alone. Book a chat with me today to explore how a personalised nutrition and lifestyle plan can help you feel more balanced, energized, and supported through this transition. I see clients all over the UK online or in-person for those local to Guildford and Surrey.
