Menopause and the Body: What’s Changing, Why It’s Happening & How to Befriend It All
Let’s be real, during menopause your body is going through a serious rebrand. One day you're vibing in your favourite jeans, and the next... your joints creak, your skin’s throwing tantrums, and you’re googling “why am I sweating in the middle of winter?”
Welcome to menopause, where the only thing predictable is the unpredictability.
But here’s the truth: you’re not broken, you’re just changing. And the more we understand what’s going on, the more we can support ourselves with grace, humour, and maybe a portable fan or two.
So pop the kettle on (decaf if you’re flush-prone) and let’s walk through what’s happening to your body and how to love it through the shift.
The Hormone Remix: Why Everything’s Doing the Hokey Pokey
The star of the show here is estrogen, your lifelong hormonal BFF who’s now doing the slow Irish goodbye. This powerhouse affects your brain, bones, skin, heart, mood, metabolism… basically everything.
As her levels decline, your body starts recalibrating. These changes aren’t signs of failure, they’re signs of adaptation. Think of it as a software update (but without the pop-up warning). Let’s dive into some of the most common physical changes and chat about what’s really going on and how to stay comfy while your body reboots.
The Internal Inferno (Hot Flushes & Night Sweats)
If you’ve ever suddenly felt like you were the sun, you’re not imagining things. Hot flushes (or flashes) are the menopausal equivalent of your body pressing the emergency cool-down button - for no good reason.
Why it happens: Declining estrogen messes with your hypothalamus (your internal thermostat). It thinks you’re overheating, so it throws you into full meltdown mode—literally.
What helps:
Layer up so you can strip down when needed
Keep cool at night with breathable bedding or a chill pillow
Avoid known triggers: spicy food, wine, stress (as if)
Deep breathing: it’s not just for yogis—it works
Cooling sprays or moisture-wicking PJs? Game changers
Down Below Dignity (Vaginal & Urinary Changes)
Let's not whisper about this anymore, shall we? Vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, frequent UTIs, and “oh no, I laughed” leaks are all super common.
Why it happens: Vaginal tissues need estrogen to stay supple and hydrated. Less estrogen = more dryness and irritation.
What helps:
Vaginal moisturisers and water-based lubricants
Hydration (yes, plain ol’ water helps!)
Pelvic floor exercises (hello, Kegels)
Ask your doc about low-dose vaginal estrogen—it’s local, not systemic
Good hygiene practices (wipe front to back—classic for a reason!)
The Sleep Saboteur (Insomnia & Restless Nights)
Can't fall asleep? Wake up drenched? Feel like you’ve pulled an all-nighter even after 8 hours? Menopause loves to gatecrash your sleep.
Why it happens: Hormonal dips mixed with stress mess with melatonin and serotonin, plus hot flushes can wake you faster than a toddler with night terrors.
What helps:
Cool, dark, quiet bedroom
Ditch screens before bed
Avoid caffeine and alcohol after 2pm
Create a calming wind-down routine
Still struggling? Chat with your GP or keep an eye out for our upcoming "Sleep Deep In Menopause" course.
Skin Deep (& Hair Apparent)
That glow-up you used to get from a good night’s sleep? It’s on pause. Skin feels drier, thinner, and somehow both oily and tight. And hair? Either it’s falling out, or popping up in unexpected places (hello, chin hair).
Why it happens: Estrogen supports collagen, hydration, and elasticity. Without it, your skin and hair need extra TLC.
What helps:
Hydrating skincare and gentle cleansers (organic if possible)
Sunscreen, always (your skin is more vulnerable now)
Omega-3s and healthy fats in your diet
Be kind to your hair—less heat, gentler products
Facial hair? You’ve got options (waxing, threading, laser) and working to create balance in the whole system will help reduce these unwanted visitors as well!
Aches & Groans (Joint Pain & Stiffness)
Your knees creak more than your floorboards? Yep, joint pain and stiffness are legit menopausal symptoms.
Why it happens: Estrogen has anti-inflammatory effects and supports joint health. As it dips, you might feel more aches and twinges.
What helps:
Low-impact movement (yoga, swimming, walking)
Warm baths or heat packs
Anti-inflammatory diet (load up on veggies, fish, nuts)
Stay hydrated
Chat with your doctor if pain persists
The Midsection Migration (Weight Changes)
Even if your weight doesn’t change much, the distribution might. Suddenly, your jeans fit everywhere except the waist. Classic.
Why it happens: Metabolism slows, and fat redistributes (especially to the belly) thanks to hormonal shifts.
What helps:
Strength training (hello, metabolism boost)
Balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats
Mindful eating (slower = better digestion and fullness)
Manage stress (high cortisol = belly fat retention)
Ditch perfection, embrace progress
Embracing the Evolution
Embracing the Evolution
Let’s be clear: menopause isn’t a breakdown. It’s a powerful biological evolution - a rewiring, a renewal, a reclamation.
Yes, the hot flushes, brain fog, body changes, and restless nights are real. But so is your capacity to meet them with insight, intention, and a deep well of resilience.
What you’re experiencing isn’t random, it’s your body in conversation with you. And when we start responding with simple, practical actions that support our bodies in the right way, we begin to thrive.
This post has walked you through what’s happening in your body, why it feels the way it does, and most importantly - what you can do to feel better. You’ve got real, practical tools now - from layering up during a flush to building hormone-supportive meals, cooling your stress, and seeking aligned medical care when needed.
So take the next gentle step that feels right, whether it’s trying a new food, pausing for breath during a hot flush or going deeper by joining our 7 day Menopause Reset, each step is a step towards supporting your body in menopause.
This evolution isn’t here to break you. It’s here to bring you home to yourself.