Your body is going through significant changes during the midlife transition and understanding what those are and why you have symptoms can feel very reassuring. Many of the most common symptoms like hot flushes, sleep problems, weight gain, sore joints and mood swings are exacerbated by lifestyle habits and making small but significant changes can make all the difference. You may continue to experience some symptoms as your body carries on with its transition process, but you will learn how to respond to them, to adapt your routines, to minimise discomfort and start to feel in control of what is happening.

HRT isn’t right for all women, but it is the gold standard of menopause care as outlined by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. Current evidence is clear that the health benefits of using HRT far outweigh the risks. We will discuss HRT, any reservations you have about trying it, how to talk to your doctor about getting the right type for your body and how to ensure it is being reviewed to make sure it is meeting your needs. If you can’t or don’t want to take HRT there are lots of adjustments we can make to your lifestyle habits which will help with symptom reduction. ‘Natural solutions’ will not give you the protective health benefits of taking HRT but they can definitely improve your overall sense of health and wellbeing.

Trying to get the right support from your doctor can be really challenging. Unfortunately so many women are still not being correctly diagnosed, especially during perimenopause. We can talk about what you need to ask your health care professionals, the questions you need answered and the possible treatments you can be offered. Dr Louise Newson is a pioneer within the menopause health field and you can read her advice about talking to your doctor here.

There is a lot of information on the internet now about the menopause. It’s great that women's health is being highlighted but not all the advice will be suitable for everyone. It may not take into account the scientific evidence of how menopause can affect women in so many different ways. With menopausal health coach training, I have studied the research on how menopause affects women both physically and psychologically. I refer to leading experts in the field including Dr Louise Newson, Dr Wendy Sweet and Dr Mary Claire Haver.

You can have a one-off session for £175 or book a series of sessions for £100 each. It may seem expensive when money is tight but you are making an investment in your health and wellbeing, as well as putting in foundations for healthy ageing.

There is no set number of sessions needed as it will differ from woman to woman. You can book a one-off session where you will get actionable advice to take forward on your own but I recommend booking a block of sessions. Your body will be changing over months and years and so solutions you put in place now might not be right in a few months.

Yes, menopausal symptoms can be really frustrating and you want them to change, quickly. But part of this new phase is learning to move at a slower, more balanced pace, paying attention to what you really need and what will make you feel good. This means taking the time to talk about how you are living your life, what is working and what isn’t. We will definitely take action but in a thoughtful and considered way which honours the process of change you are already going through.

Taking time to talk about how you are feeling is the gateway to all kinds of positive change. That heavy, overwhelmed feeling will start to lift and you will find you do have energy to make small, steady and sustainable changes. My coaching involves both talking and action, they go hand in hand but any changes will be introduced at a pace you are comfortable with.

I love your enthusiasm, yes let’s start now! Reach out to me on the contact page, by text or email and we can find a time for your first assessment session.

Everyone responds differently to coaching support. Some women are ready to get stuck in and start taking action, others need more time to process what has been happening and work out what they want to change. Our first assessment session will give you a good idea of whether you think holistic coaching is going to be the right fit. There is no commitment to carry on beyond that first session, but most women find it a relief to have someone who really gets them and is ready to help them start making changes.

I am registered as a recognised therapist with several health insurance companies including BUPA, Aviva and Vitality Please contact me and/or your health insurance provider to check if your sessions will be covered.