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Claire King is a Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist and emotional eating and menopause-informed coach based in Norfolk, UK. She specialises in supporting women with anxiety, emotional eating, confidence issues, hormone-related emotional changes, and phobias using evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH).
This is brief explanation for anyone seeking some insight....
Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, marked by fluctuating oestrogen levels and a decline in progesterone. It often starts in a woman’s 40s, but can begin earlier.
During this time, women may notice symptoms like night sweats, hot flushes, achy joints, unexplained weight gain, anxiety, overwhelm, brain fog, mood swings and irregular periods, these are extremely common while our body adjusts to these hormonal shifts.
Menopause is the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles and reproductive years, confirmed after 12 months without a period, usually between ages 45 and 55. Oestrogen levels stabilise at a lower level, and symptoms like hot flushes, sleep issues, and mood changes are still common.
Understanding menopause and what is happening in our body helps women manage and embrace this phase.
One of the most important things to focus on during post-menopause is your bone health. Oestrogen plays a key role in maintaining bone density, and as levels drop, bones can become more fragile increasing the risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis over time. The good news is the brain fog tends to subside.
It’s important to nurture your long-term wellbeing by gently supporting your body with the right nutrition, movement, and emotional care. Strength-building exercises, calcium and vitamin D-rich foods, and relaxation and mindfulness practices all play a role in helping you feel strong, steady, and supported in this new chapter.
An american study has shown that in just 8 weeks the menopausal symptoms of women who practiced specific mindfulness and relaxation techqniues for just 12-15 mins a day, were reduced by 50%
There’s nothing wrong with you. Truly. What you’re feeling is a very real and very human response to deep hormonal, emotional and life changes — changes that so many women go through, but rarely feel prepared or supported for.
Peri-menopause can stir up anxiety, self-doubt, brain fog, overwhelm — even fears or emotions that feel unfamiliar or out of proportion. But none of this means you're broken or failing. It just means your mind and body are asking for a different kind of care.
This is where we gently begin — understanding what’s happening beneath the surface, calming the inner noise, and creating small, meaningful shifts to help you feel like you again. With the right tools, support, and space to breathe, confidence returns, anxiety softens, and clarity comes back. You’re not lost — you’re evolving. And I’ll walk beside you while you find your way forward."
It can feel confusing - especially when the changes are subtle at first. But understanding where you are in the menopause journey can help you feel more in control and supported.
Perimenopause is the transition phase leading up to menopause. It can begin in your late 30s or 40s and may last several years. During this time, hormones like oestrogen and progesterone start to fluctuate — sometimes wildly — and this can cause a wide range of symptoms. These might include:
Irregular periods (heavier, lighter, or missed altogether)
Anxiety or panic that feels “out of nowhere”
Brain fog or forgetfulness
Hot flushes or night sweats
Dry, itchy skin
Tinnitus
Sore joints
Unexplained weight gain
Weight around the mid-section
Trouble falling/ or staying asleep
Menopause is reached when you haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months. After that, you’re considered post-menopausal. Some symptoms may ease, while others (like anxiety, sleep issues, or joint pain) may continue due to lower hormone levels.
If you’re unsure, you’re not alone. Many women don’t realise their symptoms are hormonal. That’s why gentle, personalised menopause support matters — to help you feel seen, understood, and back in tune with your body.
Aside from the well known symptoms of peri-menopause & menopause, here are some surprising lesser known ones.
1. Dry Eyes
Every time we blink we release a tear film that keeps our eyes hydrated. If we don't produce enough, our eyes may feel dry, gritty or blurry - especially with screen time.
2. Heightened Anxiety or Panic (Out of Nowhere)
Even if you’ve never struggled with anxiety before, you might suddenly feel panic, overwhelmed, or emotionally fragile — sometimes with no clear trigger. Hormonal changes can affect brain chemistry, making you more sensitive to stress, worry, and emotional overload.
3. Brittle Nails
Oestradiol, progesterone and testosterone help to produce keratin, when levels are lower your nails may be more susceptible to breaking. They may feel thin or soft and can split, crack or break more easily.
4. Cold Flushes
A sudden chilly, tingling feeling that can come out of nowhere, or happen straight after a hot flush. They can last for a few seconds or several minutes.
5. Heart Burn
Also known as acid reflux, heartburn is that unpleasant burning feeling in your chest and throat where stomach acid travels up into your oesophagus. This can leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth, give you bad breath and make you feel bloated and nauseous.
6. Dizziness
Oestradiol, progesterone and testosterone have an effect on the way your blood vessels widen and narrow. When hormone levels fluctuate, this can trigger feelings of light headedness, pressure and dizziness.