So you think you’re in menopause. What next?

So you have been doing your research. Perhaps your read our article on the signs of menopause and found yourself nodding along. The broken sleep, the brain fog. The mood changes that seem to come from nowhere. The hot flushes that no one warned you about.

If that sounds familar, firstly - you are not alone. And secondly - you have already taken the most important first step, which is recognising something is changing.

So what do you do now?

Step 1 - Visit your GP

Before anything else, it is worth making an appointment with your GP. Not because menopause is a medical emergency, but because it is important to rule out any underlying health conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms.

Thyroid issues, anaemia, vitamin defficiencies and other conditions can all mimic the symptoms of menopause. A simple blood test can give you clarity and peace of mind, and means that whatever path you choose going forward, you are doing so from an informed place.

Your GP can also confirm whether you are likely to be in perimenopause or menopause based on your age, symptoms and test results, and will discuss your options with you including HRT.

A word on HRT

Hormone Replacement Therapy is a valid and effective options for many women and it is absolutely right that you have a conversation with your GP. For some women, HRT is genuinely life changing.

However, it is not the right choice for every woman. Some women cannot take it for medical reasons. Other choose not to and that is equally valid.

What matters is that you make an informed decision that is right for your body, your health and your life - not one made out of desperation or because you felt you have no other options.

Step 2 - Understand your options

Once you have ruled out any underlying issues and had a conversation with your GP, you will likely be weighing up your choices. These broadly fall into three categories:

HRT

Prescribed by your GP or a specialist, HRT replaces the hormones your body is producing less of. It can be highly effective for many symptoms.

Natural and lifestyle approaches

For women who cannot take or choose not to take HRT, there is a growing body of evidence supporting the role of lifestyle, nutrition, supplements and mindset in managing menopause symptoms. This is the route I personally chose and it has been truly transformational for me.

A combination of both

Many women find that a combination of medical support and lifestyle changes gives them the best results. There is no one size fits all answer.

Step 3 - Get the right support

Here is something nobody tells you when you first suspect you might be in menopause - you do not have to figure this out alone. For so long, menopause was something women simply endured in silence. That is changing, but slowly. And in the meantime, thousands of women are still navigating this transition without adequate information, without community and without personalised support.

This is where Wellness Coaching can make a genuine difference.

A Wellness Coach is not a medical professional and will never replace your GP. But working alongside your medical care, a coach can help you understand your body, make meaningful lifestyle changes, manage your symptoms naturally and most importantly - feel like yourself again.

My own story

When I first begain experiencing symptoms, I was confused and frankly a little frightened. I saw my GP, had my bloods done and ruled out anything else going on. And then I made the personal decision to manage my menopause naturally, without HRT.

That decision led me on a journey of genuinely understanding my body for the first time. Through supplements, nutrition, lifestyle changes and mindset work, I found a way through it that felt right for me. It has not always been easy, and this is still my journey, but it has been transformational.

You are not alone in this

If you are at the beginning of your menopause journey, feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to turn. I want you to know that support is available. Support that is warm, personalised, affordable and completely tailored to you.

At Vivala Wellness, I offer 1 to 1 women’s health and wellness coaching that meets you exactly where you are. Whether you are newly diagnosed, considering your options or simply looking for someone who truly understands - I am here.

Book your free 30 minute discovery call today. No pressure, no obligation, just an honest conversation about you.