18/06/2026
Why Does It Feel Like Menopause Turns You Into a Full-Time Patient?
I was never someone who spent much time at the GP surgery. Like many, I got on with life, raised a family, worked, cared for others and rarely gave much thought to my own health.
Then menopause arrived.
Suddenly it felt as though my diary was filling up with appointments, blood tests, scans, referrals, phone calls and follow-up consultations. One appointment seemed to lead to another. Before long, I found myself speaking to healthcare professionals more often than I had during the previous thirty years combined.
If this sounds familiar, you are certainly not alone. One of the most challenging aspects of perimenopause and menopause is that the hormonal changes taking place can affect almost every system in the body. Fluctuating levels of oestrogen and progesterone don’t just influence periods and hot flushes. They can affect sleep, mood, memory, concentration, joints, muscles, skin, digestion, bladder health, weight, cardiovascular health and much more.
As symptoms appear, many naturally begin seeking answers. Is it menopause? Is it my thyroid? Is it stress? Is it my heart? Is it something more serious?
The uncertainty can be exhausting, and some find themselves undergoing investigations for symptoms they have never experienced before. They might be referred for scans, blood tests, mammograms, bone density assessments, gynaecology appointments, thyroid investigations or cardiovascular checks. Sometimes these appointments identify an unrelated condition, or can provide reassurance or simply rule out something more serious.
Either way, it can feel as though life suddenly becomes dominated by healthcare.
What often adds to the anxiety is that many menopause symptoms can mimic other conditions. Heart palpitations can feel frightening. Joint pain can appear seemingly overnight. Digestive changes can cause concern. Sleep disruption can leave us feeling exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed. Without knowledge, every new symptom can feel like a potential crisis.
This is why education matters so much. Understanding your anatomy, physiology and the role hormones play throughout the body can help reduce some of the fear that naturally accompanies unexpected symptoms. Knowledge does not replace medical advice, nor should symptoms ever be ignored. However, understanding what may be happening can help women ask better questions, advocate for themselves more effectively and approach appointments with greater confidence.
Self-advocacy is one of the most important skills a woman can develop during this stage of life.
Keep notes. Track symptoms. Ask questions. Request explanations if something is unclear. Seek second opinions when appropriate. Remember that you know your own body better than anyone else.
Most importantly, recognise that needing more medical support during this transition is not a sign that you are falling apart.
Menopause is not a disease, but it is a significant biological transition. For many women, it is the first time they have truly had to engage with their own health in a meaningful way. It can feel overwhelming at times, but it can also become an opportunity to better understand your body and take greater control of your future wellbeing.
The goal is not to spend your life at the doctor’s surgery
, it is to gain enough understanding, support and confidence that healthcare becomes a tool, rather than a source of fear.
Knowledge really is power, particularly when it comes to our health.
It’s why I became a trained and licensed Menopause Champion with Menopause Experts Group.
I can offer support through 1:1 and small group Menopause Coaching, GP appointment preparation calls and very soon I will also be offering breathwork based Nervous System Regulation Coaching.
If you’d like to have an obligation free chat with me, please reach out 💚
