Menopause and perimenopause can look different for everyone. For some, symptoms are mild; for others, hot flushes, disrupted sleep, mood changes, brain fog, joint aches or changes in energy can affect work, relationships, confidence and day-to-day wellbeing.
Vitawell has teamed up with GenM - to help make menopause easier to understand, from recognising symptoms to knowing where to find support. Drawing on research carried out by GenM, the collaboration aims to help more people feel informed, reassured and confident in navigating menopause.
Heather Jackson, co-founder of GenM, said: “Menopause Awareness Month is important because awareness alone is not enough. The GenM Inclusivity Report found that nearly 6 in 10 women do not connect their signs to menopause, while half feel unprepared when signs start. Opening up the conversation helps people recognise changes earlier, reduce fear and understand support is available. If symptoms feel sudden, severe or difficult to manage, it is worth speaking to a GP, pharmacist or healthcare professional.”
Menopause vs perimenopause: what is the difference?
Perimenopause and menopause are closely linked, but they describe different stages.
- Perimenopause is the transition before menopause, when hormone levels begin to fluctuate and periods may become irregular. It most commonly happens between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can start earlier or later, and may last from a few months to several years.
- Menopause is reached when periods have stopped for 12 consecutive months. This happens because the ovaries stop releasing eggs and levels of hormones including oestrogen and progesterone decline. In simple terms, perimenopause is the lead-up; menopause is the point at which menstrual cycles have stopped.
Both stages can bring similar symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disruption, mood changes, changes to concentration and shifts in energy. Because these can overlap with stress or other health concerns, it can be easy to miss what is really going on.
Common symptoms to look out for
Symptoms vary widely and can appear gradually or suddenly. Symptoms can include:
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats and difficulty sleeping
- Low mood or anxiety
- Brain fog
- Headaches, joint and muscle aches
- Vaginal dryness
- Bladder changes
- Changes to libido
- Skin changes
- Weight gain
Vitawell’s Hormone Balance Gummies can help manage the shift in our bodies that comes with perimenopause and menopause, with other supplements such as Night Sweet Dreams aiding a good night’s sleep, and Collagen Gummies with Vitamin C and Collagen Powder Plus which help support collagen production as it declines during the aging process.
Heather, said: “It is a good idea to seek professional advice if symptoms disrupt sleep, mood, concentration, work, relationships or confidence, or if you are unsure whether changes are linked to menopause. Speak to a GP, pharmacist or menopause specialist about heavy or unexpected bleeding, bleeding after sex, new pelvic pain, severe or unusual symptoms, other health conditions or regular medication.”
How vitamins and supplements may support wellbeing
Vitamins and supplements are not a cure for menopause symptoms, but they can play a supporting role as part of a wider approach to health. During this life stage, many people focus on bone health, muscle strength, energy, sleep, mood and general nutrition.
A balanced diet, regular movement, enough rest and stress management can all make a difference. Supplements may also help fill specific nutritional gaps where diet, lifestyle, age or individual health needs make it harder to get enough of certain nutrients.
Vitawell offers supplements specifically designed to support women through perimenopause and menopause to help regulate hormones, as well as supporting immunity and psychological function, which also has GenM’s MTick approval.
The most important thing is to choose support that is evidence-informed, suitable for your body and discussed with a healthcare professional if you are unsure or already taking medication.
Whether you are just starting to notice changes, supporting someone else, or looking for ways to feel more like yourself again, the key message is this: you do not have to simply put up with symptoms. Understanding what is happening is the first step towards finding support that works for you.