World Menopause Day 2026: Understanding Menopause and Finding the Support That Works for You
World Menopause Day takes place on 18 October 2026, providing an important opportunity to raise awareness of menopause, challenge misconceptions and encourage women to seek the support they need.
Although conversations about menopause have become much more open in recent years, many women still struggle to understand the changes they are experiencing. Others feel they must simply put up with their symptoms, even when these begin to affect their sleep, confidence, relationships, work or enjoyment of life.
As a Clinical Hypnotherapist in Sussex, I believe that every woman deserves to feel informed, supported and empowered to find an approach that works for her.
What is menopause, and how can it affect you?
Menopause is a natural stage of a woman's life associated with changes in reproductive hormones. Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause, during which symptoms can begin even while periods continue.
Although menopause is often associated with hot flushes and night sweats, its effects can be much wider-ranging.
- Hot flushes and night sweats.
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Anxiety, irritability and changes in mood.
- Brain fog, forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating.
- Reduced confidence and changes in self-esteem.
- Fatigue and reduced motivation.
- Changes in weight, appetite and body image.
- Feeling overwhelmed, emotionally sensitive or unlike yourself.
Not every woman experiences the same symptoms, and their severity and duration can vary considerably.
For some women, the changes are relatively manageable. For others, the combined effects of disrupted sleep, fluctuating emotions, work pressures, family responsibilities and caring commitments can feel exhausting.
It is also important to recognise that menopause can occur earlier than expected, including following certain medical treatments or surgery. NICE have published an authoritative set of guidelines which may prove to be a valuable resource.
Why menopause can affect emotional wellbeing
Menopause does not happen in isolation. It often coincides with a particularly demanding stage of life.
You may be supporting ageing parents, navigating changes in your relationship, worrying about your children, managing a demanding career or adjusting to a new phase of life as children become independent.
Add disrupted sleep, physical symptoms and the uncertainty of hormonal changes, and it is understandable that some women begin to feel anxious, overwhelmed or less like themselves.
Perhaps you find yourself worrying about things that previously felt manageable. Maybe you are more irritable than usual, struggling to switch off at night or questioning your abilities at work.
You might even find yourself thinking, 'Why don't I feel like me anymore?'
These experiences deserve to be taken seriously. They are not a sign of weakness, and you do not have to navigate them without support.
Menopause treatment: Is HRT the only option?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be an effective treatment for many menopause symptoms. However, it is not the only consideration when developing a support plan.
The most appropriate approach depends on your symptoms, medical history, personal circumstances and preferences.
A GP or menopause specialist can help you understand the available medical treatments, including their potential benefits and risks. Menopause-specific cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is also recommended by NICE as an option for certain symptoms, including sleep difficulties and some mood-related symptoms.
Lifestyle measures, such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet, good sleep routines and stress management, may also support wellbeing.
For women experiencing anxiety, stress, poor sleep or reduced confidence, the psychological training I have may be useful part of the help I offer .
The aim is not to replace appropriate medical care, but to help you find the right combination of support for your individual needs.
Can hypnotherapy help with menopause?
Hypnotherapy may help some women manage the emotional and behavioural challenges associated with menopause, particularly when stress, anxiety, overthinking or difficulty relaxing are contributing to how they feel.
Clinical hypnosis generally involves a state of focused attention and relaxation in which a person can work with a therapist on agreed therapeutic goals.
As a Clinical Hypnotherapist, I may use solution-focused techniques and therapeutic hypnosis to help clients develop more helpful responses to everyday challenges.
Depending on your needs, sessions may focus on:
Managing menopause-related anxiety and stress
When you are constantly worrying, your mind can become caught in a cycle of anticipating problems and finding it difficult to relax. Hypnotherapy may help you practise calmer responses and develop ways to manage anxious thoughts.
Improving relaxation and supporting better sleep habits
Poor sleep can affect patience, concentration, mood and resilience. Hypnotherapy can incorporate relaxation and visualisation techniques to support winding down and developing a more restful bedtime routine. It is not a guaranteed treatment for insomnia or night sweats, so persistent sleep difficulties should also be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Changes in appearance, energy, concentration or emotional wellbeing can sometimes undermine confidence. Solution-focused hypnotherapy can help you identify your strengths, reconnect with your capabilities and work towards feeling more positive about the future.
Coping with emotional overwhelm
If you feel that you are constantly looking after everyone else, it can be difficult to make space for yourself. Sessions may help you explore your priorities, practise relaxation and develop more manageable ways of responding to everyday pressures.
Supporting healthier lifestyle changes
Some women want help establishing healthier routines around eating, exercise, relaxation or alcohol consumption. Hypnotherapy may support motivation and behaviour change, alongside appropriate practical and medical advice.
Reduce frequency and severity of hot flushes
Research by Professor Gary Elkins at Baylor University, USA, found that clinical hypnosis may help reduce menopausal hot flushes, with one trial reporting a 70–80% reduction in frequency.
In 2025, further research found that self-administered hypnosis reduced hot-flush symptoms compared with a sham intervention.
These findings suggest that hypnosis may offer a useful complementary approach to managing menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes.
Read the research: https://bit.ly/3n483LR
Menopause, weight and body confidence
Weight changes during midlife can be a source of frustration for some women. Changes in body composition, sleep, activity levels and lifestyle may all play a part.
It can be tempting to respond with increasingly restrictive diets or to blame yourself when your body no longer responds as it once did.
A more compassionate approach begins by recognising that your body is changing and that sustainable habits are more helpful than self-criticism.
For women who would like support with eating habits, motivation or confidence, hypnotherapy may help address some of the thoughts and behaviours that make change difficult.
My Menopause Metamorphosis program is designed to support women working towards their weight-management goals during menopause. It focuses on the psychological and behavioural aspects of change rather than promising a particular amount of weight loss.
If weight changes are unexpected, significant or concerning, it is sensible to discuss them with your GP.
What can you do to support yourself during menopause?
World Menopause Day is an ideal time to reflect on your own wellbeing and consider whether you need additional support.
Here are five useful starting points:
- Talk to your GP. You do not need to wait until symptoms become unbearable before discussing treatment options.
- Prioritise sleep and rest. Establish a consistent bedtime routine and give yourself permission to slow down where possible.
- Make time for yourself. Even short periods of relaxation can provide a welcome break from daily demands.
- Look after your physical health. Regular activity, balanced nutrition and maintaining muscle strength are important during midlife.
- Seek emotional support when you need it. Talking to a suitable professional can help you explore practical ways to manage stress, anxiety and changes in confidence.
Most importantly, avoid comparing your experience with somebody else's. There is no single correct way to experience menopause, and there is no shame in asking for help.
Menopause support in Sussex: How I may be able to help
I am Andrea Aro, a Clinical Hypnotherapist based in Sussex. I work with clients on a range of issues, including anxiety, stress, confidence, sleep and behaviour change.
For women experiencing the emotional challenges of perimenopause or menopause, hypnotherapy may offer a supportive space to focus on personal goals, practise relaxation and develop more helpful ways of responding to life's challenges.
My approach is individualised and solution-focused. We work towards realistic, meaningful changes that fit your circumstances rather than assuming that every woman needs the same intervention.
If you are interested in weight management during menopause, you can also explore my Menopause Metamorphosis program.
To find out more about my Menopause Relief Program and hypnotherapy services in Sussex, visit https://www.andreaaro.co.uk/).
You do not have to wait until you feel completely overwhelmed before seeking support.
This World Menopause Day, let's keep the conversation going!
Menopause deserves understanding, informed healthcare and compassionate support. Women should be able to discuss their symptoms openly, access appropriate treatment and make choices that reflect their own needs.
Whether you are just beginning to notice changes, navigating difficult symptoms or adjusting to life after menopause, your experience matters.
You deserve to feel heard, supported and able to enjoy this next chapter of your life. 💛
Disclaimer: This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Speak to your GP or a qualified menopause specialist about persistent or concerning symptoms and the treatments appropriate for you.
Comments