Navigating perimenopause and menopause can feel overwhelming. Many women face confusing symptoms, mixed advice, and uncertainty about how to get the right care. Dr. Louise Newson’s book, Preparing for Perimenopause and Menopause, offers a clear, practical guide that cuts through the noise. What stood out most to me was her detailed checklist for GP appointments and her strong message encouraging women to take charge of their health. This book is a valuable resource for anyone

When I reflect on my 20-year career as a stage manager, I remember the thrill of constant movement, quick decisions, and the energy of live performances. Yet, over time, I found myself saying "no" more often, choosing comfort over challenge, and settling into stillness. That stillness, while soothing at first, slowly led to a feeling of stagnation. It was only when I opened my world up to opportunity that I re-discovered my passion and capability. When I took the leap to expl

Menopause brings a range of physical and emotional changes that can disrupt daily life. Many women experience hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and joint pain during and beyond this phase. While hormone replacement therapy and medications are common treatments, lifestyle changes like walking offer a natural way to ease symptoms. This article explores how walking may benefit menopausal women, and offers practical advice for incorporating walking into daily routines

Relaxation is more than just a pleasant feeling. It triggers powerful changes in the body and mind that support health and well-being. Scientific research reveals how practices like soothing touch, reflexology, and breathwork influence the nervous system and chemical balance. Understanding these effects helps us use relaxation as a tool to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote healing. How the Nervous System Controls Stress and Relaxation The nervous system has two main br

The study “The effects of Reflexology on sleep disorder in menopausal women” investigated whether reflexology could alleviate sleep disturbances in menopausal women. In this randomised controlled trial with 100 participants aged 45–60, women were assigned to either a reflexology group, which received daily 15-minute reflexology sessions over 21 days, or a control group with no intervention. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index before and after

The Menopause Care blog explains that reflexology is often sought by women during perimenopause and menopause as a holistic option alongside or instead of hormone-based treatments to help manage common symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, stress, anxiety, low mood, aches and pains, and even aspects of sexual function. According to the article, which investigates reflexology as a treatment for common menopause symptoms, reflexology’s relaxing effect

This randomised controlled trial investigated the effects of foot reflexology on vasomotor symptoms and quality of life in 120 women aged 40–60 experiencing menopausal complaints. Participants were assigned to either a reflexology group, which received specific foot reflexology treatments, or a control group, which received nonspecific foot massage. The results showed that women in the reflexology group experienced significantly greater reductions in hot flashes, sweats, and