The M word

Making small changes to diet and lifestyle can be key to managing the menopause

- Julie Lucas

If you have lost your keys, only for them to turn up in the fridge, forgotten the person’s name you have known since you were seven or are throwing the windows open when everyone is shivering, then ladies you are not alone. Just when you thought the pain of periods was done and dusted, Mother Nature throws you a curveball. It’s the menopause and it’s coming to a body near you. Caused when levels of oestrogen and progesterone decline, symptoms of the menopause include brain fog, forgetfulness, hot flushes, joint pain, food cravings, loss of libido, anxiety, the list goes on.

Nutritional therapist Tanith Lee, aka Mrs Menopause, who specialises in women’s health in midlife, believes small changes can make a difference.

‘Look at your lifestyle and make basic changes, get the body more balanced, get more nutrients, move more, and look at your sleep – these are the foundations.’