Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life, and the changes it brings can often feel overwhelming. Both mental and physical symptoms can impact your daily life,but understanding these changes and finding ways to manage them can be empowering. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this journey.

Mental Health Symptoms

As hormone levels fluctuate, mental health can be affected in various ways:

• Low mood and anxiety: You might find yourself experiencing emotional ups and downs or feeling more anxious than usual.
• Mood swings and low self-esteem: Menopause can bring unexpected changes to how you feel about yourself.
• Brain fog: Memory lapses and difficulty concentrating can feel frustrating, but they are common.

Physical health symptoms

The physical aspects of menopause are equally challenging.

• Hot flushes: Sudden bursts of heat or cold can catch you off guard, especially in your face, neck, and chest. These can lead to dizziness or discomfort.
• Night sweats and insomnia: These sleep disturbances leave many women feeling drained and irritable during the day.
• Palpitations: A racing heart or an awareness of your heartbeat can be unnerving.
• Headaches and migraines: If you’ve experienced these before, menopause may make them more intense.
• Joint pain and muscle aches: hormonal shifts can cause new or worsening aches and pains.
• Weight gain and body shape changes: Many women notice changes in their bodies during menopause.
• Dry and itchy skin: Your skin may become more sensitive and prone to irritation.

Navigating These Changes

Statistics show that 90% of women experience menopause symptoms, and for some, these can be severe enough to affect their careers, leading to 10% leaving work as a result. But you don’t have to let the symptoms take over. By being aware of what’s happening in your body and mind, you can take steps to manage your experience, making it a time of empowerment, not frustration.

Start by openly discussing your feelings and the changes you're going through with loved ones and express the support you require. A survey report from the Fawcett society published in May 2022, based on data from the largest ever survey of menopausal and peri-menopausal women in the UK, found that almost half (45%) of women haven’t spoken to their GP surgery about their symptoms. It's important to remember that this transition marks the beginning of a new chapter. Menopause doesn’t define you—it’s simply a step in the evolution of who you are.

Wellness and Aromatherapy

At Scentered, we believe in harnessing the power of aromatherapy to support women through life's challenges, including menopause. Our calming blends, like the De-Stress balm, can help ground you during moments of emotional imbalance or physical discomfort. Whether it's a soothing balm or a restorative candle, small rituals can help you reconnect with yourself and find peace during this transition. Here's how our other balms can support you with relief from certain symptoms: 

Sleep Well: Can help you find relief from restless and uneasy sleep. Apply to your pulse points 30 minutes before bed to help drift off to sleep.

Focus: Help combat brain fog with an invigorating blend that helps to direct the mind and boost concentration and confidence.

Escape: Indulge in some self-care and shift gears from doing what you “have to do” to doing what you “want to do”, the grounding Escape blend.

Love: Rebalance your emotions with our Love blend. For when you want to feel connected with others or times when you need soothing self-care, it’s like a hug you give to yourself.

Happy: For when you need to elevate your mood. Start your day with Happy. Our uplifting citrus and mint blend deliver an instant burst of positivity and is perfect when expressing moments of gratitude.

Helpful Resources

For more information and support, consider exploring the following organisations as great starting points:

• British Menopause Society
• International Menopause Society
• The Menopause Society
• Menopause Support
• Balance
• The Menopause Charity

Remember, menopause is a journey, not a destination. It’s a time to embrace who you are and the exciting possibilities ahead, that this transition marks the beginning of a new chapter. Menopause doesn’t define you—it’s simply a step in the evolution of who you are. Stay informed, stay connected, and most importantly, stay empowered as you navigate your menopause journey.