Yoga for Menopause: Support, Self-Care, and finding Balance in turbulant times

Navigating the Transition with Awareness and Care

Menopause is a time of profound change, bringing a vast range of physical, emotional, and mental challenges.

Yet, despite affecting half the population, support for women in this phase is still lacking. In the UK, GPs receive no compulsory training on menopause, leaving many women feeling unheard or dismissed when seeking medical help. With the added strain on healthcare services, the nuanced and individualised support many need simply isn’t there.

Symptoms vary widely—hot flushes, fatigue, joint pain, anxiety, brain fog, and depression are just a few. It’s no wonder so many women feel lost. While we now have more access to information than ever, googling symptoms can be a minefield. The gap in menopause education has been filled with an overwhelming mix of untested supplements, miracle cures, and bold claims. While some are genuinely helpful, many are profit-driven, preying on women who are desperate for relief.

So what can we do? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but we can take steps to navigate this transition with more confidence and ease:

1. Do your research – Understanding what’s happening in your body is empowering. Knowing what’s normal and what might require medical attention helps you advocate for yourself. (I can help with this or point you to great resources!)

2. Advocate for your health – If your GP isn’t helpful, keep pushing. Ask different questions, request a women’s health specialist, or seek a second opinion. Take notes on your symptoms and concerns to make the most of your appointment. It's too important to give up after one try.

3. Fact-check bold claims – Before investing in a supplement or taking advice from an influencer, check their credentials. Is there real evidence backing their claims? Could it interact with existing medications? Not all ‘natural’ remedies are safe—always do your research.

4. Talk about it – Find a supportive group of friends to share experiences with. Menopause can be baffling and tough, but some of the best conversations I’ve had about it have been enlightening, heart-warming, and even hilarious! Talking helps normalise the experience.

5. Know your body – Tracking my cycles over the years has given me invaluable insight into how my body works. Now, I’m relearning and adjusting to this new phase, and that’s OK. Understanding hormonal changes makes the process less scary and more manageable.

6. Prioritise self-care – Your body is undergoing a major shift, and taking care of yourself is essential. Sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress management all play a role. For me, mindful movement, breathwork, and conscious living have been anchors during times of low energy or heightened emotions.

Menopause is a transition into a new phase—one that can be rich with wisdom and self-discovery. While our healthcare system has its flaws, we have the power to take charge of our wellbeing through knowledge, self-care, and adaptable practices like yoga.

I’ve pasted some of my favourite credible sources of information below, and have loads more if you'd like them.

If you’d like to join a community of like-minded women navigating this journey together, join the waitlist for my ‘Second Spring: Menoyoga’ programme launching in April 2025.

Let’s embrace this phase with strength, awareness, and a sense of empowerment for ourselves and each other.

Perimenopause Power: Navigating Your Hormones on the Journey to Menopause – Maisie HillA brilliant and empowering guide that helps women understand perimenopause, manage symptoms, and take control of their health.

Balance Menopause by Dr. Louise Newson (Visit here)A fantastic evidence-based resource with articles, symptom checkers, and a menopause support app.

Menopause: What you need to know – Jean Hailles (Watch on Youtube)