Why Stress Makes Midlife Symptoms Worse And What To Do About It

Last time, we touched on how stress can amplify menopause symptoms. Let’s dig a little deeper into what’s going on behind the scenes.

As hormones like oestrogen and progesterone start jumping about (or plummeting), your body’s main stress system, the HPA axis, can get triggered more easily. If you’re routinely under stress, your body can get stuck in ‘fight or flight,’ which means:

• More frequent hot flushes and night sweats

• Increased anxiety and mood changes

• Feeling exhausted, irritable, and sometimes prone to unhealthy cravings

If your usual ways of coping feel less effective these days, it’s not your imagination; your stress system and hormones are having a lively back-and-forth.

What helps?

• Start with a balanced breakfast (see next week’s post for ideas!) - protein and fibre can keep energy and mood more even.

• Try a simple wind-down before bed: a cup of herbal tea, soft lighting, five minutes of quiet or gentle stretch.

• Test out a breathing exercise: five slow breaths before meals can work wonders for both stress and digestion.

Is there something you find calming during a stressful time?