Researchers Warn Autism In Menopause Is A Major Overlooked Gap In Women’s Health

Posted on 30/08/2026 by Boris Clair

We’ve written before at HuffPost UK about how menopause is increasingly driving women with suspected ADHD to get a formal diagnosis. The life stage can “amplify ADHD-related challenges,” Eve Lepage, a reproductive health specialist at Clue, shared with us previously. Scientists have long suspected that hormones like oestrogen can affect how ADHD presents.

But researchers only began formally tracking ADHD symptoms across women’s menstrual cycles recently, with scientists calling the much-reported issue scientifically “overlooked”.

And in an article published in Frontiers in Reproductive Health, study authors wrote that “Autistic women navigating the menopause transition face a constellation of challenges that remain critically understudied”.

Issues with body awareness, sensory overstimulation, and systemic barriers can make the experience uniquely challenging for autistic women, they added.

Here, HuffPost UK spoke to Dr Claire Agathou, a GP with a specialist interest in women’s health and the co-founder of A-Z General Practice at HCA’s The Wellington Hospital, about the topic.

How might autism affect menopause and vice versa?

Dr Agathou told us that menopause “can affect virtually every aspect of a woman’s wellbeing from sleep and mood to concentration, memory and temperature regulation – and for autistic women there may be an additional layer of complexity”.

Emerging research suggests that autistic women might experience an intensification of autistic traits during the transition – “In particular, sensory
sensitivities may become more pronounced, emotional regulation can become more difficult, and changes in sleep, concentration and executive function may have a disproportionately disruptive effect on everyday life”.

Take, for instance, a hot flush, the GP said. “For someone who already experiences heightened sensitivity to temperature, clothing or touch, it may become intensely uncomfortable or overwhelming.

“Similarly, sleep disruption and the cognitive symptoms commonly described as ‘brain fog’ may compound existing difficulties with executive function, planning or managing competing demands”.

As with women who have ADHD, Dr Agathou continued, autistic women might find it harder to “mask” their neurodivergence during menopause.

Strategies they may have spent years adopting in order to hide struggles or navigate their professional or social sphere could be harder to maintain, which may be distressing, “particularly for women who have spent much of their adult lives functioning at a very high level, some without recognising that they may have autism”.

However, the doctor stressed that not every autistic person going through menopause will necessarily have a more intense experience.

“Menopause itself varies enormously between individuals. At present,
the evidence base is relatively small, so we need to listen to women’s individual
experiences rather than make assumptions based simply on a diagnosis,” she said.

Both autism and menopause are “historically neglected” in scientific research

When asked how we can support autistic women through menopause, Dr Agathou said it’s important to recognise the experience isn’t uniform.

“Healthcare professionals should actively ask about sensory symptoms, sleep, emotional regulation, executive functioning and the impact symptoms are having on day-to-day life, rather than focusing solely on hot flushes or changes to periods,” she said, adding that clear, written explanations and avoiding info-dumping on patients might also help some women.

“We should also recognise that autistic women may describe or experience internal bodily sensations differently, which can sometimes make identifying and communicating symptoms more difficult”.

But unfortunately, she continued, the intersection of menopause and autism simply isn’t all that well-studied.

“There are two historically neglected areas intersecting here. Women have traditionally been under-recognised in autism research because our understanding of autism was largely developed from studies of boys and men.

“Many autistic women… therefore reached adulthood without a diagnosis, often becoming very skilled at masking their difficulties. At the same time, menopause itself has historically been under-researched, and, for many years, women’s symptoms were too readily normalised or dismissed,” the GP explained.

“When those two gaps overlap, it isn’t surprising that autistic women going through menopause have received relatively little attention.”

This, despite some early evidence suggesting that menopause can be especially difficult and/or have unique side effects for some autistic women.

“The key message is that we shouldn’t assume menopause looks the same for every woman,” Dr Agathou ended.

“If somebody tells us that this transition has fundamentally changed how they are able to function, we need to listen, explore why, and provide care that reflects their individual needs.”

Meanwhile, the Frontiers In Reproductive Health study argued: “As the autistic population ages, and as researchers continue to learn more about the presentation of autism in the female population, it will be imperative to support autistic females in their experience of menopause”.

5 Steps For More (And Better) Orgasms During Menopause

Posted on 15/08/2026 by Boris Clair

We’ve written before at HuffPost UK about the best sex positions for menopausal women.

Speaking to HuffPost UK previously, Elisabeth Neumann, a sexologist at Lovehoney, said menopause can “make sex feel unfamiliar and frustrating, especially when things that once worked perfectly well no longer feel as comfortable”.

And that might affect the quantity and quality of your orgasms, too.

Pharmacist and author of Love Your Vulva: Celebrating Women’s Bodies, Laura Dowling, said: “As oestrogen falls, the vulva and vagina can become drier, more sensitive and less elastic, so sex may become uncomfortable or painful. And if sex hurts, you’re hardly going to be thinking, ‘Great, now let’s have an orgasm’.

“Then add poor sleep, hot flushes, stress, body-image changes, medications, relationship pressures and being absolutely exhausted.”

Here, she shared how to up your odds of the big O.

How can I increase my chances of orgasm during menopause?

Neumann said some ways to increase your odds of orgasm during menopause include:

Taking the pressure off yourself,
Giving yourself more time,
Using plenty of lube,
Focusing on clitoral stimulation (“most women need direct clitoral stimulation to orgasm”),
Listening to your body – “If sex is dry or painful, don’t just push through it.”

“One of the reasons I wrote Love Your Vulva is because so many women were never properly taught about their own anatomy,” she added.

“Knowing what feels good and being able to say it out loud is a very good place to start.”

Anything else?

Yes – paradoxically, Neumann said, focusing less on the big finish could sometimes make sex and masturbation more enjoyable.

“Sex does not have to be a race towards an orgasm,” she told us. “It can be about touch, pleasure, intimacy, laughing, feeling close to somebody or simply enjoying what feels good.

“And what you enjoy may change as you get older. That doesn’t mean your sex life is finished. It just means the rulebook might need a rewrite.”

We know, for instance, that hormone changes in menopause might mean some people take longer to “get going” in the bedroom, as their levels of sensitivity change.

And some people find that penetrative sex becomes uncomfortable during the life stage, too.

The author ended, “I’d much rather a woman have sex that feels pleasurable and connected than spend the whole time worrying about whether she is going to finish.

“There is no gold medal for having an orgasm. If it feels good and you enjoyed yourself, that counts.”

Christmas Season Triggers That Can Make Menopause Symptoms Worse

Posted on 21/12/2025 by Boris Clair

The Edward Pola and George Wyle song says that Christmas is the “most wonderful time of the year” but when you’re having hot flushes from some of the ‘best’ parts of the season, it can suddenly feel like the most overwhelming time of the year.

Adrienne Benjamin, in-house expert nutritionist explains: “At Christmas we see the perfect mix of alcohol, stress, late nights, richer food, and drastic indoor and outdoor temperature variations, which can all nudge the gut out of balance.

“When the gut is under strain, the whole body can feel more uncomfortable and reactive, including the brain and blood vessels that drive hot flushes.”

Thankfully, Benjamin has shared her tips for getting through the festive season comfortably.

How to reduce menopausal hot flushes at Christmas

Central heating and overheated homes

Gone are the days when having a warm home felt ‘cosy’. Benjamin explains: “Warm indoor air is one of the most common hot-flush triggers as it raises core temperature quickly and it can be difficult to cool down in this environment.”

Of course, it’s not reasonable to expect your loved ones to endure cold homes in December. Instead she suggests: “Try lowering the heating slightly where possible, have a window open whilst cooking, and always have a glass of water at hand to sip when a flush starts.”

Crowded shops and busy venues

Yes, Christmas shopping looks very romantic in Love Actually and YES, Christmas markets appeal to many of us but these crowded spaces can be overly warm, elevating stress levels and cortisol.

Benjamin adds: “Sudden stress itself can trigger a hot flush, and stress also impacts gut motility and microbiome balance, which may make the body more prone to sudden flush ‘waves’ in menopause.”

She advises choosing quieter times to shop, taking breaks outside or chjilling in a cafe and adds: “stepping into cooler spaces during events can help the nervous system settle without needing to leave the fun entirely.”

A lovely winter breeze will feel like BLISS.

Too many layers

While getting bundled into heavy coats and gorgeous thick scarves can be a treat, Benjamin warns: “Multiple thick layers can create a heat ‘lock-in’, especially when moving between outdoors and warm interiors.”

Instead, she says, wear breathable base layers and ‘easy off’ outer layers so you can adjust quickly rather than feeling trapped in rising heat. Yuck.

Shapewear and tight festive outfits

Gorgeous glittery dresses with sheer tights, isn’t this what Christmas parties were designed for? However, Benjamin says that tight waistbands, shapewear, and high-compression fabrics don’t just trap heat, they can compress the abdomen and worsen bloating, reflux, or gut discomfort.

You don’t have to hang up your dancing shoes just yet, though. Benjamin says: “Prioritise comfort, choosing looser silhouettes or natural fibres that don’t constrict the stomach, and allow the body to cool itself more effectively. ”

Extra caffeine in cold-weather routines

Whether you’re rushed off your feet, finding time to get coffee with friends or just warming up with more cups of tea and coffee throughout the day, Benjamin warns that caffeine can be a risk.

She says: “Warming coffee, strong tea, and seasonal hot drinks can stimulate the blood vessels to widen and increase blood flow triggering flushes, and may also increase gut sensitivity and discomfort, particularly in women who are prone to reflux or IBS-type symptoms in midlife.”

She suggests altering these drinks with herbal tea or water will help moderate stress signalling and digestive irritation.

Happy holidays!

Doctor Shares Signs You Might Have ‘Hormonal Insomnia’

Posted on 02/12/2025 by Boris Clair

Even though I have insomnia, I didn’t recognise that I had a problem for years.

That’s because I thought the condition only meant struggling to fall asleep. But I have sleep maintenance insomnia, which means I wake up in the middle of the night and then struggle to return to the land of nod.

I heard the phrase for the first time last year. But I only read the words “hormonal insomnia” this week.

Speaking to HuffPost UK, Dr Giuseppe Aragona, GP and medical adviser for Prescription Doctor, explained that those with the condition “often have trouble falling asleep initially, wake during the night and struggle to return to sleep, or wake too early in the morning”.

But what does the term mean, why does it happen, and what can you do if you have it?

What is “hormonal insomnia”?

The term “refers to difficulty sleeping that arises as a result of changes or imbalances in the body’s hormone levels,” Dr Aragona explained.

“Several hormones play a key role in regulating sleep, including melatonin, which signals to the brain that it is time to sleep, and cortisol, which promotes alertness and can interfere with sleep if elevated at night.”

Reproductive hormones, like oestrogen and progesterone, can also lead to the condition because they, too, affect our sleep patterns.

So perhaps it’s not surprising that the GP said: “Hormonal insomnia is most commonly observed during life stages when hormone levels are changing significantly, such as during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause, and may also occur in thyroid disorders or other endocrine conditions.

“These hormonal shifts can disrupt the body’s temperature regulation, circadian rhythm, and mood, all of which contribute to sleep disturbance.”

What are the symptoms of hormonal insomnia?

They’re quite like those of “regular” insomnia, Dr Aragona said.

“People experiencing hormonal insomnia often have trouble falling asleep initially, wake during the night and struggle to return to sleep, or wake too early in the morning.

“Sleep may feel fragmented and of poor quality, leading to daytime fatigue, irritability, poor concentration, and low mood.”

If your hormonal insomnia is linked to hormonal changes like menopause, you might notice other symptoms keeping you awake, like hot flushes and night sweats.

If a GP were to check for hormonal, rather than general, insomnia, the doctor tolf HuffPost UK, they “would typically explore a person’s life stage, hormonal history, and the timing and pattern of symptoms.

“It is also important to consider associated symptoms such as mood changes, night sweats, or bladder issues, and to rule out other causes of insomnia such as stress, poor sleep hygiene, sleep apnoea, or pain.”

Blood tests can help to rule out thyroid issues or hormonal imbalances, too.

What should I do if I have hormonal insomnia?

Dr Aragona recommends a blend of different strategies.

“Maintaining a consistent sleep routine, avoiding stimulants and screens in the evening, and keeping the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet can help,” he advised, while “Relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or breathing exercises can reduce stress and cortisol levels, making it easier to fall asleep.

“Addressing underlying hormonal symptoms, for example, through lifestyle strategies or, where appropriate, medical treatments for menopause-related symptoms, may also improve sleep.”

If your insomnia lasts for a long time ― some doctors put it at more than three nights a week, for three months or longer ― see a GP, said the expert.

Lastly, “General health measures, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding excessive alcohol or nicotine, also support better sleep,” said Dr Aragona.

“Hormonal insomnia is usually multifactorial, so addressing lifestyle, behavioural, and medical factors together tends to be the most effective approach.”

A Sexologist’s 7 Rules For Great Sex During And After Menopause

Posted on 30/11/2025 by Boris Clair

Though you might associate menopause with hot flushes, that’s just one of 62 symptoms linked to the phase.

Menopause and perimenopause are also associated with changes to your sex drive and even differences in your vaginal and vulvar tissue.

And seeing as the entire menopausal process can last for decades, it seems unfair to expect people to navigate it without much guidance on their changing bodies and needs.

Which is why we spoke to licensed sexologist, relationship therapist and author at Passionerad, Sofie Roos, about how to establish a healthy sex life during and after menopause.

Here, she shared her seven rules:

1) Accept changes to your lust levels

“During and after the menopause, your lust tends to change. Some people get less interested in sex, while others [develop] a [stronger] desire,” Roos said.

“It’s also common to experience a different or deeper and more emotionally based lust than before.”

As much as possible, the sexologist advised, try not to “panic” about these changes.

“See it as a chance to discover something new, rather than trying to go back to how things used to be… if you can accept that things won’t be the same, you also open up the door for better pleasure than pre-menopause.”

2) Lube is your BFF

Vaginal dryness can increase during menopause thanks to changes in your oestrogen levels. This “tends to make sex uncomfortable, which puts many in a negative loop where they get less interested in sex due to it not feeling as good anymore,” Roos stated.

“Therefore, take the help of lube, ideally a silicone-based option of good quality, and make sure to use a lot – this will be a saviour!”

3) Take more time to warm up

Some research suggests that menopause may mean some people take longer to “get going” in the bedroom, as hormonal changes lead to different levels of sensitivity.

“This means that you should invest more time in foreplay, and switch up how you do it,” advised Roos.

“Try a sensual massage, kiss and cuddle longer, focus more on slow touches that build up in intensity, and don’t be afraid to take the help of sex toys such as vibrators, which can help blood to flow [more easily] to the vagina.”

4) Rediscover masturbation

Partnered sex is only one side of the equation here. Roos said menopause is a great opportunity to work out how to offer your own body what it needs, too.

“Discover new ways of turning yourself on, for example, by reading sex novels or watching new types of porn… invest in sex toys, especially vibrators, use lots of lube, and build up the pleasure [over] a longer time,” she stated.

“Also, be open to adapting and changing the way you masturbate based on how things feel and what works, and don’t give up if it takes some time to find solo sex that feels as amazing as before… You will get there eventually.”

5) Communicate with your partner

If you have a partner, they may benefit from learning about any changing needs, too, Roos said.

“Try to have a good, honest and respectful communication around intimacy. Boundaries and needs get even more important when the body changes, so make sure to open up [about] what feels good, what doesn’t work as it used to, and what you’re curious about trying.

“Invite and help your partner to help you have good sex, and don’t keep it to yourself, as that often leads to stress and anxiety, which is a real killer for [your] sex drive. It’s the two of you in this!”

6) Try pelvic floor exercises

“I really recommend strengthening the pelvic floor as that helps manage many menopause symptoms, especially symptoms related to sex… it leads to higher sensitivity, more pleasurable intimacy, and a better ability to orgasm,” said Roos.

A 2022 paper found that Kegels and lube both improved sexual function in menopausal women, with Kegels potentially being the more effective of the two.

7) Stay playful

It sounds obvious, but Roos said that remembering sex is meant to be fun is key to a better connection with your body – whether you’re pre-, post-, or mid-menopause.

“Switch the mindset of sex being something you need to perform, to it instead being a moment of emotional and physical intimacy, playfulness and… pleasure.

“The less pressure, the easier it is to find your own lust and sexiness during and after menopause,” she ended.

3 Habits I Thought Were Normal But Were Actually Sleep Apnoea

Posted on 21/09/2025 by Boris Clair

Recently, my kids started teasing me about snoring. I didn’t realise I was snoring, so I headed down a Google rabbit hole.

I searched through the reasons why people snore, and soon I discovered that lifelong habits that I thought were normal were actually warning signs for obstructive sleep apnoea.

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a condition that involves a person’s airway closing when they sleep. It might close partially or completely.

Of the nearly 30 million Americans who live with obstructive sleep apnoea, up to 80% have never been diagnosed, according to a report from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

How are so many people missing the signs of sleep apnoea? I asked experts to break down the symptoms and explain why they can be easily overlooked.

Snoring is the biggest red flag ― but it’s not always consistent.

Snoring is a well-known sleep apnoea sign, but many people don’t realise they’re doing it. I missed this sign for years because I was asleep, my husband was asleep, and I wasn’t doing it consistently. Sleep apnoea can look a little different for women, and snoring isn’t always the No. 1 sign.

Snoring can also get easily overlooked by a person who lives alone. Eventually, they might move in with a significant other or share a room while traveling with friends who will point out their noisy sleep habits.

Once the person’s snoring becomes bothersome, they might decide to get checked by a specialist.

“The most common reason why people end up in my clinic is because they have what we like to call ‘unacceptable snoring,’” said Dr. Robson Capasso, chief of sleep surgery at Stanford Medicine in California.

While most snoring tends to feel unacceptable, it’s not always caused by sleep apnoea, and it’s not always a health risk. When you breathe, air passes the tissues at the back of your throat, causing them to vibrate and make noise. This is called primary snoring, and there’s no disruption to airflow. It might be annoying to others, but it’s not dangerous.

With sleep apnoea, those tissues can relax and collapse, causing your airway to become fully or partially blocked. Snoring is the sound of air working its way through the tissues. It can also cause pauses in breathing, choking or gasping, depending on the severity of the blockage.

“I would say that for almost everybody who has received complaints about their snoring, it really doesn’t hurt to have a further evaluation and see if this is primary snoring versus sleep apnoea,” Capasso said.

A sleep assessment will show if you are having drops in oxygen frequency, which point to sleep apnoea. It’s important to get treated since the condition can lead to health issues like heart disease, stroke, or accidents.

If you’re curious about whether you snore, Capasso recommended the SnoreLab app, which helps you track the frequency and intensity of your snoring. While it can’t diagnose sleep apnoea, it can give you a clearer picture of your habits, like whether you’re snoring for five minutes or several hours.

Don't ignore these three major indicators of sleep apnoea. — Don’t ignore these three major indicators of sleep apnoea.

Feeling tired during the day is also a sign (even more so if you believe you’ve had a full night’s rest).

We live in a rise-and-grind culture in which it’s easy to tie our exhaustion to a full-time job, a busy schedule or parenthood. But if you’re getting less oxygen and experiencing breathing disruptions all night long, you’re not just going to be tired. You’re going to be sleepy to the point of passing out at inappropriate times.

Ever since I started driving at age 16, I’ve had trouble staying awake on trips that take more than 20 minutes. It’s grown worse as I’ve aged, and I always thought this “highway hypnosis” was normal. Now, I’ve learned that it’s a warning sign.

In addition to getting sleepy while driving, sleep apnoea sufferers might drift off in situations in which a well-rested person wouldn’t be struggling to stay awake.

“You’re allowed to be bored, but dozing off or falling asleep whenever you are sedentary — watching TV, reading a book, sitting in the theatre —those are not normal things,” said Dr. R. Nisha Aurora, a sleep clinician and AASM spokesperson.

Of course, the key here is determining whether you’re still falling asleep in these situations despite getting consistent, lengthy sleep most nights.

“If you’re having a good number of hours of sleep … and the sleep schedule is regular … you shouldn’t be sleepy; if you are, you should see a sleep specialist,” Capasso said.

Before ordering a sleep test, physicians will typically evaluate environmental factors: Does the person work overnight shifts? Do they drink or smoke? Do they stay up late bingeing movies?

The first step is fixing those issues. Once good sleep hygiene is established, if problems persist, a provider might recommend a sleep test.

Sleep apnoea can also be confused with normal signs of aging or stress.

Beyond snoring and sleepiness, I was surprised to discover that insomnia, nighttime awakening, and certain daytime problems like mood changes and cognitive issues can be connected to sleep apnoea. These are symptoms that can easily be attributed to other conditions like aging, stress, menopause, or, in my case, the challenges of being a parent.

Aurora said that there’s a “glaring issue with underdiagnosis in women who really tend to present differently, especially once they’re post-menopausal.”

Many post-menopausal women experience insomnia, and physicians might focus on that rather than testing for sleep apnoea. Other markers of sleep apnoea in women can include headaches, depression, brain fog, and frequently waking up to urinate.

Research shows that the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea increases as women experience menopause, which can disguise the symptoms and make diagnosis even more difficult.

“We can’t just say, ‘this is normal, this is part of aging,’” said Aurora. “It could be just menopause alone … but they still should get checked out.”

So… what should you do?

Report any symptoms to your doctor, even if they seem “normal.” As awareness has increased, physicians are more likely to proactively evaluate a person with symptoms that look a little different.

“You’re always going to find that one paper that’s going to link sleep apnoea to almost everything… golf scores, hair loss, skin health,” Capasso said.

While sleep apnoea can affect various aspects of a person’s life, it’s important to avoid obsessing over sleep perfection or less-established symptoms.

“You hear sleep apnoea is underdiagnosed, and therefore, untreated,” Capasso said.

“My feelings are actually kind of mixed about this, as I believe there is a significant dichotomy. On one side, there is a community that’s super tuned to their health, longevity-oriented, wellness-oriented … I jokingly say there is almost hyperawareness of sleep apnoea, as sleep tests are positive in a significant percentage of adults.

“On the other hand, perimenopausal women, underserved communities, people with cardiovascular diseases – this is the population where we should work harder to increase awareness. This is a population that needs to be more proactively investigated.”

Wake Up Sweating At 3am? This May Be Why

Posted on 31/05/2025 by Boris Clair

Try as I might (and believe me, I’ve tried), I constantly manage to wake up hot and sweaty at 3am.

I’ve always attributed that to my insomnia. But hormone and sleep specialists have shared my issues might be partly down to my biology.

We know it’s crucial to keep bedrooms cool (experts recommend 16-18°C) to be able to sleep well – and this is perhaps even more important for women.

When a study found rising temperatures are impacting sleep globally, it also revealed women were impacted more than men. The Guardian noted “women’s bodies cool earlier in the evening than men’s when going to sleep, meaning higher night time temperatures may have a bigger impact on women”.

Women’s slightly higher core body temperatures can also make us “feel” external cold and warmth more intensely, Dr Karan Rajan previously shared.

Women appear to wake up overheated more often than men – but why?

Dr Renee Young, an endocrinologist and founder of the Young Naturopathic Centre For Wellness, told Pretty You London that “hormones like oestrogen and progesterone play a central role in how the brain regulates body temperature”.

She added: “Even slight fluctuations can confuse the body into thinking it needs to cool down. That often looks like a hot flush or a sudden sweat episode, especially at night.”

These are not exclusive to menopause or perimenopause, though both of these can lead to similar symptoms.

Clinical dietitian Dr Colleen Fogarty-Draper said it’s not just hormones, though.

“Women in midlife often have a lower stress threshold… Higher cortisol levels, especially when they don’t follow their normal rhythm, can interfere with sleep and make overheating worse,” she shared.

How can I stop overheating at night?

Though you might be tempted to take a cooling shower before settling down, NHS GP Dr Hana Patel said this may not be the answer.

“A cold shower can cause your body to generate more heat as a response,” she advised, while the cool-down period following a warm shower “tells your brain it’s time to sleep”.

Wearing thinner pyjamas, avoiding heavy bedding, and even keeping your partner out of your bed (if needed) may help, The Sleep Foundation said.

Whatever the cause, though, you should see your GP if your sleep is consistently interrupted.

“Menopause and hormonal changes don’t have to steal your sleep,” Dr Fogarty-Draper stressed. “When we understand the cause, we can take back control.”

Dani Harmer’s Not Alone – 62 Perimenopause Symptoms That Can Start In Your 30s

Posted on 27/05/2025 by Boris Clair

In a recent TikTok, former Tracy Beaker actor Dani Harmer spoke about her recent perimenopause diagnosis as she sought advice for her “thinning” hair.

The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, 36, says her husband asked her to see her GP when he noticed her “whole personality had pretty much changed.”

Before she learned she was perimenopausal, the star added, “I was so down”.

She continued, “I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety pretty much since I was a teenager, but there was something really different about me, and in myself, I knew that something was off”.

Dani said she had also been affected by brain fog, night sweats, and bad sleep, all of which are common signs of perimenopause.

Though some commenters were surprised to learn about the actor’s condition (with one TikTok user saying, “Whaaaat? You’re about 17 years old”), perimenopause in your 30s is perfectly possible.

Here’s what perimenopause means, 62 of its signs, and what to do if you suspect it (like Dani, you should seek help if you struggle with any symptoms).

What is perimenopause, and why can it start in your 30s?

Perimenopause is “when you have symptoms of menopause but your periods have not stopped,” the NHS says.

You are officially in menopause when you have not had your period for 12 months.

The average age to start menopause in the UK is 51. You count as being in “early” menopause if it begins before you turn 45, and “premature” menopause if you’re under 40, the NHS says.

But perimenopause can start as many as 14 years before menopause officially begins. Cleveland Clinic says perimenopause can start “as early as your mid-30s or as late as your mid-50s”.

Just because your periods don’t stop during perimenopause doesn’t mean it can’t “have a big impact on your life, including relationships and work,” the NHS says.

Anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, hot flushes and irregular periods are common signs.

Don’t wait until you lose your period to see your GP about perimenopause symptoms if they’re affecting your life.

What are the symptoms of perimenopause?

The symptoms of perimenopause are the same as those of menopause, minus the absence of periods. Some women will experience them at different levels of intensity during menopause or perimenopause.

Some signs, like irregular periods, will be more noticeable during perimenopause.

A BMC Women’s Health study found that, on average, people experiencing menopause or perimenopause had about 10.7 symptoms.

Menopause care specialist Dr Naomi Potter previously shared 62 possible symptoms with HuffPost UK, which are:

Palpitations
Chest pain
Breast tenderness
Itchy skin
Dry skin
Rosacea
Acne
Thin skin
Collagen loss
Crying
Brain fog
Memory loss
Poor concentration
Difficulty finding the right words
Anxiety
Low mood
Worsening PMS
Anger or rage
Irritability
Headache
Migraines
Joint pain
Joint stiffness
Vaginal dryness
Vaginal discharge
Vulval itch
Perineal itch
Vulval/vaginal ‘electric shocks’
Increase in thrush
Increase in bacterial vaginosis
Poor libido
High libido
Weight gain
Hair loss (on your scalp)
Unwanted hair growth
Urinary infections
Urinary incontinence
Urinary urgency
Nocturia (getting up at night to pee)
Sexual dysfunction
Chest tightness
Constipation
Gastric reflux
Fatigue
Night sweats
Hot flushes
Cold flushes
Increased period frequency
Decreased period frequency
Heavier periods
Muscle loss
Tinnitus
Dry eyes
Watery eyes
Burning mouth
Gum disease
Foot pain
Frozen shoulder
Insomnia
Histamine sensitivity
New allergy
Body odour change.

What if I think I’m perimenopausal?

It bears repeating ― don’t wait until menopause begins to see your GP if you are experiencing symptoms, no matter what age you are.

Even if you aren’t in perimenopause, the symptoms are worth investigating.

And if you are, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help replace the oestrogen and progesterone your body loses during menopause and perimenopause.

According to the NHS, “The main benefit of HRT is that it can help relieve most menopause and perimenopause symptoms, including hot flushes, brain fog, joint pains, mood swings and vaginal dryness”.

Dani has said, “I’m really glad that I went and I got help. My doctor was more than happy to put me on HRT, and I’ve been on it for about 18 months now”.

She says her symptoms have mostly gone, except for hair thinning and the occasional hot flush.

Your doctor can help you to work out which solutions are best for you, so speak to a professional as soon as you notice symptoms.

Has Your Alcohol Tolerance Changed With Age? Or Could It Actually Be Perimenopause?

Posted on 18/02/2025 by Boris Clair

“My ability to tolerate alcohol, even in small doses, dramatically declined,” Dr. Mary Claire Haver, an OB-GYN and author of “The New Menopause,” wrote in a pinned Instagram post, listing what “shocked” her about her own menopause.

Emma Bardwell, a registered nutritionist who focuses on menopause and perimenopause, said something similar on Instagram recently: “Alcohol and menopause. Not a great mix if we’re all honest, but often a crutch we use to numb the overwhelm.”

Conversations about menopause and alcohol seem to be popping up on social media more lately. But doctors say their patients have been mentioning it for years — saying things like they suddenly feel tipsy after a single drink in their 40s and 50s or that alcohol generally makes them feel lousy.

“This is not something new,” said Dr. Lauren Streicher, a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Northwestern University, and host of Dr. Streicher’s Inside Information: The Menopause Podcast. “I’ve been doing this for decades, and women have often said to me, ‘Boy, I just can’t drink anymore. It makes my hot flashes worse. I’m already sleeping terribly. It makes my sleep worse.’”

While Streicher said there’s “probably a connection” between alcohol tolerance and perimenopause and menopause, it hasn’t been well studied.

Still, you might be curious about that connection if you’ve reached your 40s and noticed alcohol hits a little differently. Here’s what women’s health experts want you to know.

Is it ageing or perimenopause?

Menopause is a normal part of the aging process for women and refers to the stage when menstrual periods end, and they can no longer get pregnant, according to the National Institute on Aging. The average age of menopause is 51, but perimenopause typically starts eight to 10 years beforehand.

During perimenopause, your levels of the hormone oestrogen start to decline, and this can bring symptoms like hot flashes, low libido, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, mood changes and problems sleeping.

Some also report changes in their alcohol tolerance. But this is likely more age-related than menopause-related, said Dr. Monica Christmas, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynaecology, and director of the menopause program at the University of Chicago Medicine and associate medical director of the Menopause Society.

Both men and women lose muscle mass as they age, and the amount of fat in the body increases. Fatty tissue doesn’t retain as much water. So when you drink, the concentration of alcohol in your bloodstream becomes more concentrated, Christmas said.

Your liver also doesn’t metabolise alcohol as efficiently and quickly as you get older since your levels of enzymes that break down alcohol also start to decline, she said. Women have lower levels of these enzymes to start with and tend to have less body mass than men, so they naturally process alcohol differently — especially when they get older.

Another factor is that liver function may be impacted by oestrogen, Streicher said. Theoretically, lower oestrogen levels could get in the way of metabolising alcohol, but she noted that this hasn’t been well studied.

Because of these changes, you might feel the effects of alcohol more quickly than you used to or feel hungover even when you didn’t drink much, said Dr. Madeline Dick-Biascoechea, an OB-GYN and director of the Menopause Program at the University of Maryland Medical Center. As your alcohol metabolism changes, “You will have increasing effects of alcohol per volume that you drink as you age,” she said.

How alcohol affects perimenopause and menopause symptoms.

Many women report drinking more alcohol to deal with their menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, mood shifts and sleep disruptions, research shows. However, alcohol can actually make them worse.

Alcohol can worsen many symptoms women experience with perimenopause and menopause, including anxiety, depression, lack of motivation and a loss of interest in activities.

Shifting hormones can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate temperature. Your blood vessels dilate when you drink alcohol, and this could trigger hot flashes and night sweats, Christmas said.

About half of menopausal women report difficulty sleeping. Sipping a glass of wine in the evenings might make you feel relaxed and sleepy, but it can actually disrupt your quality of sleep, Streicher said.

Many women also experience anxiety, depression, lack of motivation and a loss of interest in activities during menopause — and as a depressant, alcohol can make these mental health challenges worse, Christmas said.

“Drinking alcohol during the time when we’re already experiencing these natural changes related to hormonal fluctuation, alcohol can exacerbate them,” she said. “And so, that also may feel like an intolerance.”

Keep in mind, though, that everyone experiences perimenopause and menopause differently — some women have no symptoms, while others experience them intensely, Christmas added, and not all women notice changes in how alcohol affects them.

What to do if your alcohol tolerance seems to be changing.

Pay attention to how much you’re drinking as you reach perimenopause and menopause, Dick-Biascoechea said. Not only can it potentially worsen symptoms, it could raise your risk for other health conditions.

A 2025 report by the Office of the Surgeon General said that consuming alcohol can raise your risk for breast, colorectal, throat, mouth, voice box, oesophageal and liver cancer. Excessive alcohol intake has also been linked to dementia, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

Dick-Biascoechea said women should have no more than one drink per day or seven per week. According to the National Institute on Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse, one standard drink equals 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, and 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits.

If you’re drinking more than that, she suggested cutting back, and if that’s a struggle, talk to your doctor for help. Resources are also available at FindTreatment.gov.

Even when you drink in moderation, sip more water with your beer, wine or cocktails, Christmas said. Also, make sure to consume alcohol on a full stomach.

Drinking is “not a solution for your menopause symptoms, and it’s going to have an enormous impact on your overall health,” said Streicher, who asks patients about their alcohol intake when they bring up menopause symptoms.

She added that there are safe, effective solutions for addressing perimenopause and menopause symptoms. This might include hormone therapy, treatments for vaginal dryness, sleep problems or mental health issues, and lifestyle recommendations, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Streicher recommended seeking out a menopause practitioner for help — and added that not all doctors are experienced with menopause or perimenopause. The Menopause Society offers an online tool to help you find an expert in your area.

Ultimately, menopause is a normal stage of life, Dick-Biascoechea said. “But, being normal doesn’t mean that it’s easy. It’s a lot of changes … and keeping yourself as healthy as possible will make this transition better and successful.”

3 Unexpected Ways That Menopause Impacts Your Skin

Posted on 10/10/2024 by Boris Clair

According to Menopause Support UK, there are approximately 13 million peri or post menopausal women in the UK.

Despite it being so common, and something that all women will go through eventually, there is so much we still don’t know about menopause. It’s not all hot flushes and mood swings.

In fact, according to Rebecca Elsdon, advanced skin specialist and owner of the re/skin clinic, “It’s important to shift the conversation from ‘fighting’ ageing to embracing skin health at every stage. After all, ageing is a privilege, and the focus should be on feeling confident in one’s skin, regardless of age.”

Elsdon partnered with global beauty and wellness brand Fresha, to discuss three skin issues you may not know are linked to menopause – and how to tackle them with the right skincare regime…

Sensitive to bruising and infections

Elsdon revealed that, as oestrogen levels drop, so does the skin’s ability to repair itself. Meaning that your skin may become more prone to infections and super sensitive to the environment. Suddenly, redness, irritation, and even conditions like rosacea can appear out of nowhere, with delayed wound healing also affecting the skin.

What to do: Strengthen your skin’s defences with antioxidant-rich products. Look for formulas with vitamin C and E to help your skin stand up to environmental stressors.

Visible dark spots

Hormonal shifts often make hyperpigmentation, like melasma or sunspots, more visible. These stubborn spots can linger and feel impossible to shift. However, according to Elsdon, the solution is quite simple.

What to do: Brightening ingredients like tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C can help even out your skin tone. For tougher pigmentation, professional treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy might be the answer!

Yeast overgrowth

Finally, Elsdon revealed that a drop in oestrogen can mess with your skin’s natural microbiome, leading to yeast infections, especially in areas like skin folds. It’s an issue many women face but don’t often talk about.

What to do: Keep the area clean, use breathable fabrics like cotton, and if necessary, apply an anti-fungal cream. For extra protection, probiotic skincare can help restore your skin’s balance.