Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be extremely helpful for some women, but it’s not a “one-size-fits-all” fix.

I get really frustrated by the heavy media focus on HRT as if this is the only solution available that works – just like a magic bullet.

For many women it can be life saving, however it is not for everyone, especially if like me you’ve a history of breast cancer, HRT is just not an option.

The focus on HRT is based on the idea that menopause is a simple hormone deficiency and that all you need to do is top up your hormones and your symptoms will magically disappear.

However hormones are complex and work together in the body a bit like an orchestra, when one is out of tune, there is a knock-on effect on all the others. Hormones are most certainly not like empty petrol tanks just waiting for a top up.

I despair about the lack of knowledge and discussion about the root causes of your symptoms and how nutrition and lifestyle factors such as sleep and stress could be driving them.

Many of my clients have completely resolved their symptoms by making the changes, others who were already taking HRT have had to reduce their dose, which just goes to show how powerful the natural approach can be.

Menopause is not a hormone deficiency; it is a natural phase in a woman’s life. It’s a transition – I like to describe it as being similar to puberty in reverse. Once all your hormones have settled down your body adjusts to a new normal.

Menopause can also be the start of an exciting new life phase. Don’t forget that you have another 30-40 years of life ahead of you and these can be the healthiest and happiest years of your life, if you take the right steps.

Nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle changes target the root causes of symptoms with or without hormone replacement.

As a menopause nutritionist, I work with your body to support its natural processes and help you thrive during menopause — no magic bullets needed.