You may have seen Halle Berry discussing her experience of perimenopause lately. But more specifically, vaginal dryness and how this perimenopause symptom was misdiagnosed by her doctor as “the worst case of herpes he’d ever seen” Perimenopause & vaginal dryness I find it extraordinary that some health professionals can still have such little knowledge about this area of women’s health. This particular symptom is easy to resolve by taking systemic Hormone Replacement Therapy, or if you can’t or don’t want to take this form of HRT you can opt to simply use vaginal oestrogen. This can almos ..read more

Is walking really just a waste of time? This question popped up during some of my perimenopause and menopause coaching sessions and it got me thinking. You see, a few of my clients were also working with a local PT who had initially brushed off walking as pointless, saying they needed to ‘work harder’ for results. But here’s my perspective on why walking is actually a great support, especially during menopause. Firstly, consider our modern lifestyle – so many of us are sitting at desks all day, driving home, and then collapsing on the sofa. This sedentary pattern isn’t broken by just a couple ..read more

The recent draft menopause guidelines announced by NICE on 17 November 2023, recommended cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) alongside or as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause symptoms. It has sparked a range of reactions. While some see it as a positive step, offering more choice, others are concerned about potential delays in accessing HRT. In this blog, I’ll explore why this development can be seen as a step forward, offering women more choices in managing their menopause. Understanding the NICE Guidelines NICE’s updated draft guidelines, highlight evidence th ..read more

When we think of breathing, most of us imagine it as an automatic process that sustains life. However, the way we breathe – especially during times of stress – can profoundly influence our overall health, particularly our heart and vascular system. Stress, Breathing, and the Nervous System Have you ever noticed when you’re stressed, you tend to take shallow, rapid breaths from the upper chest? This kind of breathing engages secondary muscles around our neck and upper ribcage. While these muscles are perfectly capable of assisting in respiration, consistently relying on them can lead to muscle ..read more

Are you in the throes of perimenopause or menopause, battling stress and anxiety? Have you tried different approaches but are yet to find something that truly works for you? I have something that just might help – my upcoming course, “Master Your Menopause: Breathing through Anxiety and Stress” at The Chill Out Centre in Colchester, Essex. What to Expect in the 4-Week Breathwork Course I have tailor-made this 4-week course to support women navigating the rollercoaster ride that is perimenopause & menopause. With a focus on breathwork – a practice that’s as ancient as it is powerful – this ..read more

At the end of October, I defied the unpredictable weather and experienced a moment of pure magic at Holland on Sea. It was a trial run for something I’m incredibly excited about – my Soulful Sunrise Sessions, set to officially start in 2024. These sessions aren’t just about enjoying a sunrise; they’re about embracing all stages of menopause with a sense of calm and the support of an understanding community of women. Setting the Scene Imagine this: a beautiful, sandy stretch of beach, the waves gently lapping at the shore, and the sun rising before your eyes. That’s the scene that greeted me an ..read more

I recently had a conversation that many of you might find familiar. It revolved around the challenges of navigating perimenopause and the difficulty in finding a starting point amidst brain fog and all the overwhelming information there is out there. The Common Struggle The person I spoke with shared her struggle with persistent brain fog, fatigue, and poor sleep. Although her GP suggested exploring Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), she knew deep down that aspects of her lifestyle could use some fine-tuning.. The dilemma? Too much information and no clear starting point. Simplifying the Compl ..read more

At the beginning of October I had an evening filled with excitement and recognition. My husband and I were privileged to attend the Tendring4Growth awards 2023, an event that celebrates excellence and innovation in business across the Tendring region of Essex. It was an wonderful to be shortlisted and even more thrilling to see both of us receive awards in our respective categories. Recognising Excellence In the Women in Business category, I was elated to be acknowledged as a runner-up. Standing among numerous remarkable female-led businesses in the region makes this recognition even more mean ..read more

Why Cardiovascular Health Matters More During Menopause We all know menopause brings a plethora of changes. One less discussed, but vitally important aspect, is the rise in cardiovascular disease risk. As women transition through menopause, their risk aligns with that of a man’s. Why does this happen? Factors Increasing Cardiovascular Risk: Fat Distribution Changes: Our declining oestrogen levels shift our body fat distribution. Instead of settling around our thighs and bum, it leans more towards the middle. An increased waist circumference equals a higher cardiovascular disease risk. The Str ..read more

Menopause is a time of change, and staying active in a way that suits your body is more vital than ever. It’s not about punishing workouts, but embracing movement that brings joy and vitality to your life. Let’s explore how to stay active during menopause without risking injury or adding stress, focusing on joy, and the long-term benefits to your body and mind. Importance of Movement and Finding Your Joy Embracing activity during menopause is all about finding what makes you happy. It could be dancing, walking, gardening, or water sports – whatever lights you up! It’s not about exhausting HIIT ..read more