Every woman in the world will experience menopause — yet, despite its universality, the support available often feels scarce. Our overstretched GPs do their best with the limited training they received at medical school, but that leaves many women languishing, struggling to find answers, or turning to expensive specialists most cannot afford.
That’s why I’m grateful for trailblazers like Davina McCall, Mariella Frostrup, and Karren Brady. They’ve brought this once-taboo subject into the light, championing women’s voices and sharing stories that resonate. With October dedicated to raising awareness, there’s no better time to begin shifting the narrative.
Menopause isn’t an ending — it’s a transformation. A time when women evolve into more complete, more self-aware, and more empowered versions of themselves.
And while symptoms can be challenging, there are strategies and tools that help us feel more energised, sharper in mind, and more in control of weight and wellbeing. I call these my Success Factors.
1. Nutrition
Food is the foundation. Becoming more mindful of what we eat is the simplest yet most powerful shift we can make. Small, sustainable nutritional changes can have an immediate impact — lifting brain fog, stabilising energy, and supporting long-term weight management.
I’ve tried countless diets (haven’t we all?), but none are as effective as consistent, balanced choices you can actually stick with.
2. Movement
Forget punishing exercise regimes. Instead, think movement.
Movement that you enjoy, that keeps you strong, flexible, and motivated. Movement that boosts those precious endorphins and makes you feel good rather than depleted. It’s about moving towards your goals — not exhausting yourself with unrealistic routines.
3. Sleep
Quality sleep is non-negotiable.
It regulates the hormones that control appetite, supports metabolism, and gives us the energy to keep active. Without it, decision-making suffers, cravings spiral, and even our best intentions can unravel. Prioritising sleep isn’t indulgence — it’s strategy.
4. Stress Management
Anxiety is one of the lesser-talked-about symptoms of menopause. Suddenly, situations we once managed easily can feel overwhelming, chipping away at confidence and self-esteem.
While we can’t control everything life throws at us, we can control our response. Building stress management practices — whether that’s mindfulness, breathwork, journaling, or simply carving out time for yourself — makes a huge difference in navigating this chapter.
This October: A Deeper Dive
Throughout this month, I’ll be exploring each of these success factors in more detail. I’ll share simple-to-understand “science cookies” to explain what’s happening in our bodies on a biochemical level, alongside practical strategies you can try for yourself.
By the end of the series, my hope is that you’ll have a toolkit of ideas to experiment with — discovering what works for you, what doesn’t, and what may need a little tweaking.
As a menopause sufferer myself, I’ve found joy in this journey of self-discovery. I feel more connected to myself and more confident in knowing that it’s OK — essential, even — to put my own wellbeing first.
Final Note: These success factors are designed to complement any hormone replacement therapy you may be taking — not replace it. Please always check with your GP for guidance on medications.
I’d love to hear from you — what has helped you most in navigating menopause? What have you discovered about yourself along the way?
You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-gregg-anthonygregg/ to share your experiences.
