October is Menopause Awareness Month — a time to shine a light on the very real challenges women face, often in silence.
If you’re in the midst of perimenopause or menopause and wondering why your body suddenly feels unfamiliar, you are not alone — and you are certainly not broken.
That weight around your middle? The disrupted sleep? The cravings that seem to come out of nowhere? These aren’t signs that you’re doing anything wrong. They’re signs that your body is responding to very real hormonal changes.
And here’s the truth that too few women hear: it’s not your fault.
The Hormonal Shift No One Warns Us About
As oestrogen levels begin to decline in the years leading up to menopause, a cascade of changes starts to unfold. Oestrogen isn’t just a reproductive hormone — it also influences how our bodies store fat, regulate appetite, and even how efficiently we burn energy.
When this hormone begins to drop, the body compensates by storing more fat, particularly in the tummy. This isn’t vanity — it’s biology. Fat cells produce a weaker form of oestrogen called oestrone, and your body is trying to make up the difference. The downside is that oestrone is less effective and more inflammatory, making fat harder to shift.
The Cravings, the Sleep, the Stress…
It doesn’t stop at oestrogen. Ghrelin — your hunger hormone — increases. Leptin — which helps you feel full — decreases. That means you might feel hungrier and less satisfied after eating.
Add in cortisol, your stress hormone, and it’s no wonder that many women find themselves turning to food for comfort or feeling out of control with their eating. High cortisol levels increase insulin resistance and make fat storage more likely, especially around the waist.
And then there’s sleep. With night sweats, restless nights and fluctuating melatonin, many women are simply exhausted. And when you’re tired, the cravings feel even stronger, because the body is desperately seeking energy and calm.
It’s a perfect storm — but it’s one we can navigate together.
- Eat more plants
Flaxseeds, legumes and soya can naturally help balance oestrogen levels. Following a Mediterranean-style way of eating — rich in whole foods — is not only nourishing but protective. - Move regularly, not perfectly
Aim for movement that feels good. Strength training supports muscle mass and metabolism, but even a walk around the block can lift your mood and energise your body. - Prioritise sleep
This one’s tricky, but it matters. Create a bedtime routine that soothes, and try to keep to regular sleep and wake times. It’s about progress, not perfection. - Be mindful with food
Pause. Tune in. Are you eating from hunger or habit? Mindful eating can help restore trust in your body and ease emotional eating patterns. - Reduce stress gently
It’s not about emptying your calendar — it’s about finding pockets of calm. Whether that’s five deep breaths or a moment to yourself with a cup of tea, small actions count.
In Honour of Menopause Awareness Month
If this resonates with you, just know there’s support here whenever you need it.
In honour of Menopause month, we’re offering 10% off the Balancing the Menopause Pod – simply go to Optional Extras on your Slimpodmembers.com dashboard and use the code menopause10. This discount is available until the 5th of November 2025.
It’s a small but powerful addition, that helps calm the nervous system, supports the regulation of appetite and mood, and gives you space to reconnect with yourself. It’s a small addition that many women say makes a big difference.
Remember: you deserve to feel well. You deserve to feel like you again.
