Menopause Education & Support

Yep! This is me right now. I am so tired in the day yet at night, sleep is nowhere to be found (much like my patience, good mood, joy, happiness, s*x drive and ability to regulate my temperature!)

This is an issue that is affecting me every day. It is so hard waking up feeling like a different person. Does anyone else relate? How are you managing it?

FINALLY!
Traction on a new Menopause report and the work that is being done to educate, support and research Perimenopause and Menopause symptoms and treatment. Have a read!

menopause.joinvoy.com IntroductionIt’s 2025. One thing still remains true: our understanding of how women’s bodies work is limited.There are still big gaps in what we know about the biology of women’s hormones, the impact these hormones have on our health, and the science of female aging. But there is some good new...

LONG POST...SORRY!

HRT may not be sufficient to reduce all symptoms so, although results are never guaranteed, the below supplements may help to manage your symptoms alongside HRT.

MOOD SWINGS

Magnesium:
Often called "nature's tranquilizer," this mineral can help calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality.

B vitamins (B6 and B12):
These vitamins are essential for energy production and can help regulate mood and reduce fatigue during perimenopause.

Ashwagandha:
As an adaptogenic herb, ashwagandha may help regulate stress, anxiety, mood, and sleep.

Ginseng:
Korean red ginseng has been shown in some reviews to improve mood, fatigue, and insomnia.

NIGHT SWEATS/HOT FLUSHES

Black cohosh:
Some studies show that this herb may reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes.

Red clover:
This supplement contains isoflavones and may help reduce hot flashes. However, the evidence is mixed.

Vitamin E:
Some research suggests that vitamin E may help with hot flashes and vaginal dryness, though more studies are needed.

BONE AND JOINT HEALTH

Calcium and Vitamin D:
Declining estrogen levels during perimenopause increase the risk of osteoporosis. Calcium is essential for bone density, and Vitamin D helps the body absorb it effectively.

Vitamin K2:
This vitamin works with Vitamin D and calcium to help deposit calcium into bones, increasing bone strength.

Magnesium: By helping the body absorb calcium, magnesium also contributes to maintaining strong bones.

Omega-3 fatty acids:
These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce joint pain and stiffness.

LACKING MOTIVATION!!!

Apparently lack of motivation in perimenopause is due to hormonal changes.
Declining oestrogen levels, along with fluctuating progesterone, thyroid, and adrenal hormones, can drain your body's energy and impact your mental state, leading to a feeling of being "flat".

This is definitely something I am struggling with. I find little joy these days, in fact I don't feel much of anything. I mask excitement and happiness when I feel anything but.

Is there a light at the end of tunnel???

HRT is not for everyone.
There may be reasons why HRT is not a great fit for you. It could be due to medical reasons, individual response, or psychological.
If you are in this group, please take a moment to share what has worked for you. Whether this is supplements, therapy, or meditation, it would be great to share our experiences to help others.

Key UK Statistics on Perimenopause, Anxiety & Confidence

🔹 Confidence
67% of women report a significant knock to their confidence due to perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms.

This includes feelings of diminished self-worth, reduced motivation, and a sense of losing one’s professional or personal “edge.”

🔹 Anxiety Disorders
According to the UK Biobank study, women are 52% more likely to develop a psychiatric disorder for the first time during perimenopause compared to earlier reproductive stages.

The risk of major depressive disorder rises by 30%, and mania more than doubles during this phase.

Anxiety disorders and other non-severe mental health issues also spike, with a 2.10x increase in diagnosis rates during perimenopause.

🔹 Global Context
The global burden of anxiety disorders among perimenopausal women is projected to rise by 40.67% by 2035, reaching 1,180 cases per 100,000 women.

🧠 What This Means for You
These aren’t just numbers—they validate the emotional and cognitive shifts many women experience. The rise in anxiety and drop in confidence are biologically driven, not personal failings. And they’re happening to thousands of women across the UK right now.

If you’re navigating this storm while also managing career transitions, it’s worth considering tailored support—whether through HRT, therapy, or workplace accommodations.

We are in this TOGETHER!

We WILL be the generation to

Cycle of Change (Understanding Menopause) Half of the population will go through this major natural life change but so many of us are not prepared and don't know what to expect. Perimenopause (the l...

HRT - It can be confusing! Understanding the types of HRT and whether they are suitable for you can be daunting. This may help!

**1. Estrogen-Only Therapy (ERT)**
- For women without a uterus
- Relieves hot flashes, supports mood and bone health
- Forms: pills, patches

**2. Combined Estrogen & Progestin Therapy**
- For women with an intact uterus
- Protects against endometrial cancer
- Regimens include cyclic and continuous-combined

**3. Bioidentical Hormones (BHRT)**
- Plant-based and chemically identical to body’s hormones
- Comes in creams, gels, patches, pellets

**4–6. Delivery Formats**
- **Estrogen pills**: easy but higher risk of clots
- **Skin patches**: controlled release, lower clot risk
- **Topicals**: customizable creams, gels, sprays

**7. Vaginal Treatments**
- Suppositories, creams, rings target dryness and urinary discomfort
- Minimal systemic absorption

**8. Tibolone**
- Mimics estrogen, progestin, and testosterone
- Covers multiple symptoms, supports bone health

**9. Testosterone Therapy**
- Boosts libido and energy, usually combined with estrogen

**10. Custom Compounded Therapy**
- Tailored doses in various forms
- Not FDA-approved — may vary in effectiveness

**11. Plant-Based Therapy**
- Soy/yam-derived hormones
- Gentle option with variable effectiveness

**12. Cancer-Related Hormone Therapy**
- Used in breast and prostate cancer treatment
- Slows cancer growth and aids symptom relief

🎯 Choosing the Right HRT

- Depends on health history, symptom severity, personal preferences, and risk factors
- Always consult a healthcare provider for tailored advice