Oct is a time to celebrate World Menopause Awareness Month. Yes I did say ‘celebrate’!
That’s because, despite millions of women across the world experiencing this powerful life transition, menopause is still wrapped up in fear, stigma, or misunderstanding.
But in clinic, I try to see menopause very differently. It’s not something that needs “fixing”- it’s a natural, transformative stage that can become one of the most empowering times of our lives. It’s a chance for us to reconnect with our bodies, our energy, and our purpose and to step into this next chapter feeling confident and free.
What Is Menopause and What Actually Happens?
Menopause marks the time when our periods stop permanently, usually after 12 months without a bleed. The average age in the UK is around 51, though many of us begin the transition (aka enter perimenopause) in our 40s.
During this phase, our ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen and progesterone, which can affect everything from sleep and mood to metabolism, skin, and bone health.
At the clinic, we take a holistic approach understanding how nutrition, stress, gut health, and lifestyle all interact with our hormones. Menopause isn’t a disease or a decline; it’s a natural shift in how our bodies work, and with the right support, it can be a time for us to truly thrive
Menopause Around the World: Cultures That Celebrate the Change
How we feel about menopause is shaped by the culture we live in and some societies have a far more positive outlook.
Japan:
In Japan, menopause is known as kōnenki (or konenki), which translates as “renewal years”. The word combines kō (“renewal”), nen (“years”), and ki (“energy” or “season”), giving it a far more uplifting meaning than our word “menopause”.
Historically, Japanese women have described fewer hot flushes and mood changes than women in Western countries. Anthropologists believe this may be partly due to mindset menopause isn’t seen as an illness, but simply as a new phase of life.
The Japanese ideas of ikigai (a reason for being) and jibun rashisa (living true to oneself) also fit beautifully here seeing menopause as a time to rediscover purpose, not to fade into the background
Mayan Women- Guatemala
Among Mayan women, menopause is often viewed as a time of power rather than decline. Older women are respected as wise leaders in their communities, and menopause is seen as a natural, even freeing, stage of life.
These examples remind us that the way we talk about menopause shapes how we experience it. When menopause is respected and celebrated, women tend to move through it more calmly and positively.
The Beauty (and Power) of Menopause
Perhaps if we stopped seeing menopause as the end of something and started seeing it as the beginning of something new, menopause could be
- A new lease of life – freedom from periods, PMS, and fertility worries.
- A time of clarity – knowing what we want, and what we no longer need.
- A season of strength – a chance to focus on our health, confidence, and joy.
- A reset -to rebuild energy, balance hormones, and nourish our bodies deeply.
Yes, it can bring challenges. But many of these are our bodies’ way of asking for care more rest, better nutrition, less stress, and greater support. When we listen to those signals, we can move through menopause with balance and vitality. This is where I can help you
4 Ways to Embrace Menopause with Confidence
Inspired by cultures that welcome this transition, here are four simple ways we can support our mindset and wellbeing.
1. Reframe Our Story
How we describe menopause shapes how we feel about it. Try swapping words like “decline” or “loss” for “renewal” and “transformation”.
Let’s share stories of women who found freedom, purpose, and peace in this phase.
This isn’t an ending, it’s our renewal season.
2. Create a Personal Ritual
In many cultures, menopause is marked with ceremony or celebration.
We could light a candle, write a letter to our younger selves, or spend a day honouring our journey so far.
Let’s turn this transition into something that feels sacred and proud.
3. Rediscover Our Purpose (Our Ikigai)
Menopause invites us to pause and reflect.
What brings us joy now? What matters most? What do we want to create or contribute next?
As the Japanese concept of ikigai reminds us our purpose is often found in what makes us feel alive.
4. Nourish Our Body and Mind
Our mindset and biology are deeply connected. Supporting our physical health helps us feel balanced and confident from the inside out. This is where I have helped hundreds of women to focus on:
- Eating colourful, whole foods rich in phytonutrients and natural plant oestrogens (like flaxseed, soy, and legumes).
- Moving daily- strength training, yoga, walking, or dancing all support muscle, bone, and mood.
- Prioritisinv rest and good sleep to regulate hormones and energy.
- Creating simple stress-relieving rituals- meditation, breathwork, journalling, or time outdoors.
These habits not only ease symptoms, they remind our bodies that we are cared for and worthy of feeling our best.
A Time to Celebrate Us
Menopause doesn’t have the be the end of our vibrancy, with the right support and mindset, it can be the beginning of something deeply freeing.
It’s the moment we get to ask, Who are we now? What do we want for the next 30 years?
We’ve earned our wisdom. We’ve lived, learned, and loved deeply. This is our time to thrive.
In clinic, I help women nourish their bodies, rebalance their hormones, and rediscover their confidence so they can move through menopause feeling energised, empowered, and at peace.
If you’d like support -to lose weight, boost energy, sleep better, balance moods, reduce bloating, and feel amazing in your body again, I would love to help you
Ways I can help you:
Join the Thrive After 35®, with the early bird offer open until 1st December. Programme launches Jan 17th 2026 –
HERE
We can work together 1:1 for a personalised approach – HERE
Book The Test Analysis Service- HERE
Book a 15 mins chat- HERE
Best wishes
Lucy
Recent Comments