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Why menopause can feel so overwhelming - and what is really happening?
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Many women describe menopause as feeling like they've somehow lost themselves. You might feel more anxious than usual, quicker to irritate, overwhelmed by small things or suddenly exhausted for no obvious reason. Sleep becomes lighter, your patience shorter, your confidence wobblier. It can be confusing - and personal.
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But often, it isn't a personality change. It's a nervous system responding to hormonal shifts.
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Oestrogen plays a powerful role in supporting the brain and nervous system. As levels fluctuate the system that once felt steady can become more reactive. Stress hits harder and recovery can take longer. Add in the demands of midlife - work, ageing parents, growing children, relationships and it's no surprise so many women find themselves running on empty.
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The empowering part? Understanding this changes everything! When we recognise that our body is trying to protect us we can begin to work with it rather than against it. Nervous system support doesn't have to mean drastic change. Often, it's small shifts, slowing your breathing, stepping outside for light and air, strength training to build resilience, protecting sleep, reducing stimulation and allowing rest without guilt.
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Why you may feel more reactive
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Oestrogen supports mood regulation and stress resilience. As levels fluctuate, the nervous system can become more sensitive, meaning everyday stress feels amplified and recovery takes longer.
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The 'Wired but Tired' feeling
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Hormonal shifts, poor sleep and ongoing stress can keep the the body in a low-level fight or flight state. This leaves you feeling restless, anxious or alert - yet deeply fatigued.
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Gentle ways to support regulation
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Small daily practices make a difference: strength training, slow breathing, time outdoors, reducing over stimulation, prioritising sleep and allowing genuine rest. Regulation isn't about perfection - it's about consistency.
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Join Menopaus'ull for an evening of exploration into Self Regulation of the Nervous system
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At Menopaus'ull we talk a lot about hormones, but what about the nervous system that is trying to cope with all of these changes? During menopause so many of us experience anxiety, overwhelm, poor sleep, irritability, burnout and that constant feeling of being 'on edge'. It can feel confusing and deeply personal. But often it isn't a personal failing at …
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21.02.26 - Menopaus'ull Walk & Talk at Humber Bridge
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Are you looking for a friendly place to connect, share and move your body? Come along to our Menopaus’ull Walk & Talk at Humber Bridge, Hessle, HU13 0HE on Saturday 21st February 2026 at 10am. The meeting point will be at the old Windmill (outside of the Country Inn Park area) and the walk will then take place along the …
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26.03.26 - Menopaus'ull Café @ The Hinge Centre, Bridlington
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Join us on Thursday 26th March from 12.00pm till 1.00pm for our Menopaus'ull Café at the Hinge Centre, Crown Community Building, 19-21 Field Road, Bridlington, YO16 4LY for an informal chat where we can openly and safely share experiences with other like-minded ladies who are discovering their own ways of coping with this journey, let’s empower each other along the …
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11.03.26 - Menopaus'ull Walk and Talk at Kingswood
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Join us at another new destination on Kingswood for one of our Menopaus'ull Walk & Talk sessions which will be taking place on Wednesday 11th March at 6.30pm. The meeting point will be outside of the Village Green in the car park (HU7 3JG). The walk will then take place along the Engine Drain route. Fingers crossed the weather will …
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Recent news: Menopause linked to loss of grey matter in the brain
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Recent research has highlighted further links between menopause, brain health, sleep and mental wellbeing - an area many women instinctively know is connected even if it hasn't always been discussed. While headlines can sometimes feel worrying, understanding what is happening to your body during this transition can be very empowering. The changes associated with menopause are real, measurable and experienced …
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Join in with some gentle movement and connection at Women's Wellness class
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Looking for a gentle way to start your weekend? We are very happy to share that there is a wonderful Women's Wellness class taking place every Saturday at the Alf Marshall Community Centre. This morning is all about gentle movement, connection and nurturing your body and mind. You can choose to attend one part of the session or stay for …
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Living well through the menopause: An evidence-based cognitive behavioural guide
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We’re excited to share that we now have copies of Living Well Through Menopause - a practical, evidence-based CBT guide written by leading menopause expert Prof. Myra Hunter and Melanie Smith. This empowering book is designed to help women understand their symptoms, reduce distress, and feel more in control during perimenopause and menopause. Using proven cognitive behavioural techniques, it offers …
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Menopause and sleep - what you need to know
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If your sleep has changed in recent years, you’re not imagining it. Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause can affect the brain’s sleep regulation system. Falling oestrogen and progesterone levels can contribute to night sweats, lighter sleep, increased anxiety, and those frustrating 3am wake-ups where your mind suddenly wants to review every life decision you’ve ever made. And it’s not …
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Support should never be out of reach
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We know that reaching out for menopause support isn't always easy and for some women financial pressures can make it feel even harder. We wanted to share that Menopause Support are currently offering limited free menopause consultations for those experiencing financial hardship. These 45 minute telephone or video appointments are delivered by a nurse-trained menopause advisor and provide a safe …
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