Despite Menopause being a normal, natural, and inevitable transition in a woman’s life, there is still a huge stigma around it and women’s health generally at this stage of life. This can stop women from talking about it openly and seeking help and can reinforce beliefs that the debilitating symptoms are normal. It’s a highly personal subject that many women may not want to discuss; many soldier on thinking they are going mad, but knowing they have a sympathetic, caring, and non-judgemental ear can make a huge difference.

You may be surprised to learn that Menopause is actually just one day in a woman’s life, marking the 365th day after their last period. The period leading up to that, which can last several years, is known as perimenopause. 

Unpredictability has been reported as one of the biggest frustrations of perimenopausal women and for some, can begin as early as their mid 30s. Often, women who enter perimenopause in a loving partnership report a loss of interest in sex, which can also become an added friction.  

In our youth-obsessed society, self-esteem and confidence can suffer as weight gathers around the middle, skin and hair lose their youthful lustre, and we start acknowledging ourselves as physically ageing, which can cause other unwanted feelings. During this time, women’s bodies can feel out of control, and they often feel guilty about this lack of control over their bodies. However, adjusting expectations, having patience, and understanding what’s going on, can help steer a positive course through these rough times. 

Research has shown that therapy combined with visualisations, stress reduction and confidence building significantly improve a woman’s experience of perimenopause. Hypnotherapy has a proven success record and can help with many of the 70-plus acknowledged symptoms associated with perimenopause, such as hot flashes, joint pain, sleep issues, sudden onset anxiety or phobias, the resurgence of childhood traumas, low confidence and self-esteem. 

In addition, self-care and a positive mindset are two of the most important tools to embrace this time of life. Good nutrition is also vital to increase energy and vitality. It can be helpful to think of Menopause as the halfway point and the changes that are taking place as necessary to begin to live your amazing next phase of life. Many women whose sexual appetite falters during perimenopause find that their libido returns to its former glory once Menopause is complete. Hypnotherapy and psycho-sensory techniques can help women prepare for their fantastic future and help them focus on feeling and looking good and enjoying this next phase of life when they will generally have fewer responsibilities and much more freedom and security.

Lynn Roberts is a Psycho-sensory practitioner and Hypnotherapist from Lancashire. Over the last ten years, she has helped women across the UK and Ireland overcome symptoms associated with perimenopause, anxiety, phobias, addictions and more. To arrange a free consultation, email unlimitedbyme@gmail.com