I remember feeling surprised that, as a woman, my body would go through such a significant stage of life that I had never heard of. I was aware of menopause symptoms of mood swings, hot flushes and that my periods would stop, but learning more about perimenopause symptoms – including the transition that can last four years on average, and involve many different symptoms (click here for a comprehensive list: symptoms) - initially made me feel anxious. 

As I researched further, I began reflecting on my PMS symptoms I had experienced for many years: low mood, craving chocolate, sore breasts, painful spots, blushing, irritability, cramps, sensitive finger nails and eyes, negative thought patterns, crying, and eating to the point where I wondered if I ever would want to stop eating (which of course it did once my period started)! I started wondering what my own perimenopause experience might be like if my PMS had already been quite intense.

I assumed my symptoms were “normal” because I was female, and that’s just what happens to our bodies. It never occurred to me to question them. Over time, I began to understand how our hormones can be influenced by our emotions and thoughts.

In my early twenties, I experienced compounded grief and trauma. Although I had counselling, did a great deal of self-reflection, and later spent ten years writing a fictional novel as a way to process my trauma and help others that have experienced mentally abusive relationships (please click here to find out more), I now recognise that some of the patterns I developed during that time may have also influenced how I experienced stress and hormone changes.

During lockdown, I decided to try online hypnotherapy for stress and anxiety during such an unknown time. I was amazed how my physical symptoms began to ease. Hypnotherapy helped me develop greater self-awareness, healthier coping strategies, and a much kinder way of thinking about myself.

After I finished counselling, I knew that one day - when my life was more settled - I would like to help others. After experiencing the benefits of hypnotherapy myself, I felt inspired to take this route rather than counselling.

My hypnotherapy training was life-changing. Learning how the mind works helped me understand that it can be the way we think about what we experienced, and not necessarily the event itself, that affects us. After years

of seeking peace externally, I realised that much of it comes from within.

Since then, I have made several lifestyle changes, including improving (not all…I do love cheese and crisps) my eating habits, prioritising self-care, and exercising mindfully. Rather than focusing on external results, I now prioritise

supporting positive brain chemicals and strengthening my body, which helps with my overall wellbeing.

During my hypnotherapy training, I began experiencing hormone headaches, which made me wonder if I might be entering perimenopause. I wanted to empower myself to be as prepared as possible as I moved into this phase. This

inspired me to specialise in supporting women in hypnotherapy for perimenopause.

In some parts of the East, menopause is viewed positively and even described as “second spring” due to diet, lifestyle, and attitude towards ageing. This perspective is empowering, knowing that we can help ourselves have a more positive perimenopause transition.

My hope is to support women through the perimenopause transition using hypnotherapy, offering practical tools, understanding and knowledge to help create positive changes from within. 

Perimenopause symptoms can feel confusing and overwhelming, but there are ways to support yourself. If you would like to learn more about perimenopause hypnotherapy, I would love to hear from you. Below is a list of perimenopause symptoms we can work together on:

· Vasomotor (hot flushes and night sweats)

·  Anxiety

· Low mood  

· Sleep issues      

·  Brain fog