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One of the first and most important things to understand about menopause is where you are on the journey. Many women enter perimenopause during their 40s—even if there are no hot flushes or night sweats in sight. By the age of 45, if you often feel “not yourself,” unusually tired, easily overwhelmed, anxious, or even worried about memory lapses or early dementia, it may not be depression—it may well be perimenopause.

And here’s the empowering truth: menopause is not something to fear, medicate away with antidepressants, or struggle through alone. With knowledge, support, and natural approaches, you can feel more like yourself again.

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Spotting the Signs of Perimenopause

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If you compare how you feel now with how you were three years ago—your energy, mood, memory, or even how you handle stress—do you notice a decline? If yes, chances are you are in perimenopause. And you don’t have to wait for hot flushes to appear; symptoms can begin up to 10 years before periods stop.

This happens as progesterone, the hormone that helps us stay calm, confident, and resilient, gradually declines. The result can be:

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• Increased anxiety or new fears and phobias

• Brain fog and forgetfulness

• Low energy and fatigue

• Headaches and muscle tension

• Loss of libido or low mood

• Disrupted sleep​

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Many women in Cheltenham come to me thinking these changes are “just stress” or even early dementia, when in reality, they are clear signs of the perimenopause journey.

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Menopause is a Natural Transition

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In the UK, the average age for menopause (when periods stop for 12 months) is 51; for ethnic minorities it can be as early as 45. This transition is gradual and can feel more physically and emotionally intense than pregnancy—lasting up to 10 times longer.

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That’s why it’s so important to respect your body, your energy, and your changing needs. By taking a natural and holistic approach, you can manage symptoms, protect your long-term health, and move into your 50s with renewed strength and vitality.

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Natural Ways to Support Menopause & Perimenopause

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Here are some powerful, natural strategies that I recommend to my Cheltenham clients:

• Prioritise sleep – poor sleep amplifies every symptom. Consider therapies such as shiatsu, acupuncture, reflexology, or aromatherapy to support deeper rest.

• Support your liver – night sweats and hot flushes are often linked to how hard your liver is working. Reduce alcohol, caffeine, and processed carbs, especially in the evenings.

• Boost nutrition with supplements – essentials include a quality multivitamin, magnesium, vitamin D, B vitamins, and omegas 3 & 6.

• Eat for hormone balance – enjoy plenty of vegetables, berries, nuts, and seeds. Avoid chilled foods straight from the fridge, as they can stress digestion and worsen IBS or flushes.

• Protect your energy – recognise that you simply don’t have the same reserves as in your 30s. Slow down, respect your limits, and give yourself space to recover.

• Phytoestrogens – plant-based estrogens, such as soy isoflavones, can help later in menopause when estrogen is very low. Their benefits vary from woman to woman, so listen to your body.

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Natural Menopause Solutions vs HRT: A Comparison

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• Natural menopause solutions empower you to support your body gently and holistically, with benefits that last well beyond menopause.

• HRT can be highly effective for certain symptoms but may carry risks and doesn’t address underlying health imbalances during menopause or life beyond.

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✨ Many women choose a combined approach—using natural strategies as their foundation and exploring HRT if additional support is needed.

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Why Choose Natural Menopause Support in Cheltenham?

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Every woman’s journey is unique. While HRT is an option, it isn’t the only path—and for many women, natural approaches can ease or even eliminate symptoms by addressing the underlying imbalances that make menopause harder.

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At Cotswold Menopause in Cheltenham, I support women through one-to-one consultations, group sessions, videos, and ebooks. Together, we focus on restoring balance to both mind and body—so you can feel calmer, clearer, and more confident during this transformative stage of life.

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✨ You don’t have to suffer in silence. With the right knowledge and natural support, menopause can become a time of renewal, not decline.

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👉 Visit Cotswold Menopause to discover how I can help you feel happier, healthier, and more empowered through your menopause journey.

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