10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Menopause

By the time I could name what I was experiencing as ‘the menopause’, I had already been through the mill! You can read more about my story here. 

The thing I would want anyone to take away from my experience and from this article is that if you're heading towards menopause, or already in the thick of it, you’re not alone. 

And you’re definitely not as unprepared as you think (even if it feels that way). 

So with that, I’m sharing the 10 things I really wish I’d known before menopause barged in uninvited, changed the locks, and started rearranging the furniture.

1. It’s Not Just About Hot Flushes

When you think of menopause, this is probably the first symptom that comes to mind.

And yes, the hot flushes are a big pain, but they’re just one guest at the party.

Mood swings, brain fog, joint pain, dry skin, bizarre food cravings, heart palpitations. There are over 35 (and some estimate up to 100) symptoms that could hit any woman at any time. 

I genuinely thought I was losing the plot when I kept getting misdiagnosed to no success. 

My tip for keeping an eye on your symptoms is to keep a diary. 

It helps track patterns and makes conversations with your practitioner more effective. 

And as far as managing them goes, a herbal blend like our Hello Menopause, or new Hello Daily Balance have been designed by me, a 25 year practitioner, to tackle symptoms at the root, not just cover over them.

2. Perimenopause Can Last Years

No one thought to mention this. 

I thought one day my period would just pack up and leave and boom, I’d be menopausal.

As it turns out, it slowly ghosts you over time, leaving you feeling unsure and unprepared with what you’ll face month to month. 

One month it’s heavy, the next it’s gone. Surprise! It’s back.

And the hormonal whiplash can stretch on for a decade!

Blood-work and hormonal tracking can help you understand where you are. But the real key is not to wait for it to “get bad” before seeking support.

3. Your Mental Health Might Take a Dip

This one hit me right in the confidence. 

Anxiety I’d never had before. Moments of “What am I doing with my life?” and “Can I manage this?”

It wasn't MY weakness. I was being undermined by my biology. 

The drop in oestrogen affects neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Your brain chemistry is literally shifting.

Adaptogens like lemon balm and rhodiola are traditional herbal helpers that support mood balance and resilience. I wouldn’t want to go through perimenopause without at least a pot of these by my side. 

4. Not All GPs Are Created Equal

My first appointment my symptoms were brushed off. Cheers.

I didn’t have much luck the next few times.

Find someone who listens. Whether that’s a medical herbalist, menopause specialist, or a GP who keeps up with the times! Don’t settle for feeling dismissed. 

You deserve support. I’ve been a naturopath for 25 years, I know plenty of avenues to explore. If you need support, get in touch! 

5. Libido Changes But There’s Other Kinds Of Connection

Menopause can impact sex drive, intimacy, and body confidence. It’s normal, and it’s nothing to feel ashamed about.

Self-compassion, communication, quality time, and comfort in your own skin can lead to a new kind of intimacy.

Explore sensuality without pressure, and consider natural remedies that support circulation and energy.

6. Your Diet Becomes Your Daily Prescription

I could get away with skipping meals and living on cups of tea in my 30s. 

But by 45? No chance.

Once I embraced slow, nourishing meals and ditched blood sugar imbalancing habits, my mood, my sleep, even my skin shifted for the better.

Prioritise protein, healthy fats, and fibre. Add digestive herbs like fennel to support absorption and balance.

7. Sleep Is Your Full-Time Job

I used to sleep like a log. I do miss those days. 

Hormonal changes affect melatonin production, and the anxiety spikes don’t help. 

The trick isn’t just to get more sleep, it’s to focus on improving the quality of that sleep.

Magnesium-rich foods, a wind-down routine, a consistent sleep and wake time, herbal formulas like Hello Sleep can really help.

8. Community is the Ultimate Remedy

The moment I started talking about menopause with friends, sisters, and even strangers online, I realised I wasn’t alone. And I wasn’t broken.

Menopause can feel isolating. But in truth, it’s a rite of passage we’re meant to share.

If you feel lacking in community, join us over on Instagram for honest chats, expert advice, and a community who just gets it.

9. Supplements Can Make a Huge Difference (When They're the Right Ones)

With my naturopathic knowledge, I was lucky that I skipped wasted time and money on cheap supplements that don’t work.

There are so many out there, filled with bulking agents and ineffective formulations designed to capitalise on the problem, not to fix it.

There are more and more quality products out there these days, so you don’t have to make your own like I did!

Look for quality, bioavailable ingredients. UK-native herbs. No fillers, no fluff. Just honest, effective support (all found in Hello Menopause)

10. Menopause Isn’t an Ending, but a Shift in Power

This is the part no one tells you. 

Once you’re through the fog, menopause can feel like a funny kind of freedom.

You stop people-pleasing. You get clarity. You take ownership of your health. You begin to live more from the inside out. You work on yourself. You take life less seriously.

It’s transformational.

The mentality I needed was that I wasn’t losing my younger self, I was becoming my wiser self.