6 Secrets of Menopause: Beyond the hot flush…
Most of us know about the impact menopause can have on our lives—hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings.
But did you know that aching knees can be linked to fluctuating hormones? Or that menopause might be behind those moments when you can’t quite find the right word? Beyond the common symptoms, there’s a whole range of changes happening in your body. Here are six that may surprise you.
1. Mood changes don’t always mean you need antidepressants
Falling oestrogen has a strong impact on brain chemistry. When levels are low, serotonin and dopamine—the neurotransmitters that influence mood—can drop too. That’s why feelings of sadness, anxiety, or even a sense of hopelessness may creep in during perimenopause. Too often, women are prescribed antidepressants without anyone asking whether hormones are part of the picture.
Natural support can make a real difference. Herbs such as St John’s wort, saffron, and adaptogens like ashwagandha may help balance mood and support emotional resilience. A nourishing diet, steady blood sugar, and gentle exercise all play a role as well. Antidepressants are still valuable and appropriate in some cases, but they’re not the only option. Addressing hormonal shifts often brings a more complete solution.
2. Aching joints might not be arthritis
Many women are surprised when their joints start aching around midlife. It’s easy to assume it’s the first signs of arthritis, but in many cases, falling oestrogen is the culprit. Oestrogen has an anti-inflammatory effect, protects cartilage, and keeps the fluid around joints lubricated. When those levels decline, inflammation rises and stiffness sets in.
Support strategies include an anti-inflammatory diet rich in colourful vegetables, omega-3 fats, and spices like turmeric. Phytoestrogen-rich foods—flaxseeds, legumes, and soy—can gently mimic oestrogen’s effect in the body. Regular movement, stretching, and low-impact exercise like swimming or yoga can also help keep joints supple.
3. Brain fog is hormone-driven
Misplacing keys, struggling for words, or forgetting names—these moments aren’t just about “getting older.” The brain has oestrogen receptors, and when levels fluctuate, it disrupts how quickly neurons fire and form new connections. The result? That foggy, slow feeling many women describe.
Simple lifestyle habits can sharpen things up: prioritising good sleep, balancing blood sugar, and staying hydrated all help brain function. Nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3s support cognitive health. And certain herbs—ginkgo, bacopa, and rosemary—have been shown to improve memory and concentration.
4. Things may not be working well “down there”
Vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, and recurrent bladder infections are some of menopause’s least talked-about symptoms. Lower oestrogen thins the vaginal lining, reduces natural lubrication, and weakens the tissues at the bladder and urethra. This can make intimacy painful and trips to the bathroom more frequent.
The good news: you don’t have to just “put up with it.” Herbs like shatavari and calendula can support tissue health and hydration, while topical plant-based creams or natural lubricants may ease dryness. A diet rich in healthy fats and hydration also supports the health of these tissues. Talking about it—and knowing there are options—can be empowering
5. Alcohol and menopause don’t mix well
That glass of red wine in the evening may suddenly feel different. Alcohol dilates blood vessels, which makes hot flushes and night sweats worse. It also interferes with sleep quality, leaving you tossing and turning at 3am. Because your internal “thermostat” is already more sensitive during menopause, alcohol can tip the balance.
Cutting back often leads to a noticeable improvement. Try swapping to alcohol-free options, experimenting with mocktails, or saving drinks for special occasions. Supporting your liver with herbs like milk thistle or dandelion root can also ease the burden on your system.
Anxiety may appear out of nowhere
Even women who’ve never struggled with anxiety before can suddenly find themselves worrying more or feeling restless and uneasy. This is often hormone-related: oestrogen plays a role in regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, which help keep us calm. When oestrogen falls, the balance shifts, and anxiety can creep in.
Herbs such as lemon balm, skullcap, and passionflower are excellent allies for calming the nervous system. Magnesium, deep breathing, and mindfulness practices can help re-train the body to relax. And if anxiety is strong or persistent, it’s important to seek support—sometimes a combination of approaches works best.
The takeaway
Menopause isn’t just about hot flushes - it’s a whole-body transition. By understanding what’s happening, you can make empowered choices that bring relief. Nutrition, herbs, and lifestyle changes can go a long way to restoring balance.
References
Lobo, R. A. (2024). The musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause. Maturitas, 183, 1–7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39077777
Rand Corporation. (2025, April 2). Understanding meno-fog: Navigating brain fog during the menopause transition. https://www.rand.org/pubs/commentary/2025/04/understanding-meno-fog-navigating-brain-fog-during.html
Barth, C., et al. (2024). The impact of estradiol on serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate: A review of molecular pathways in the female brain. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 18, Article 1348551. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2024.1348551/full
Osh Wellness. (2025, July). Chasteberry: A review of clinical studies backing hormonal balancing properties. https://oshwellness.com/blogs/news/chasteberry-a-review-of-clinical-studies-backing-hormonal-balancing-properties
Moving Forward with Confidence
Knowing the six “secrets” of menopause can change the way you see this transition. When symptoms like aching joints, brain fog, or sudden anxiety are understood as part of the hormonal picture, they stop feeling random or frightening and start becoming signals you can respond to with care.
Your experience of menopause is uniquely yours. With the right knowledge, support, and compassion, you can move through this season with greater ease, finding balance and even new vitality along the way.
If you’d like support that’s natural and tailored to you, I’d love to help. Together we can create a plan that eases your symptoms and helps you feel at home in your body again.