Why the System Isn’t Working for Midlife Women

Most NHS GP appointments are just ten minutes long. That’s barely enough time to cover one symptom, let alone the layered, biopsychosocial reality of perimenopause and menopause.

Add to that outdated medical training, gaps in menopause education, and a post-pandemic system under extreme pressure, and it’s no wonder women feel dismissed or misdiagnosed.

Dr Sho, a GP and women’s health advocate, shared on the Women’s Health Unwrapped podcast that she regularly sees this in practice. Too many women leave appointments confused, unheard or given advice that doesn’t fit.

And worse still? Many stop trying.

What lifestyle medicine really means

Lifestyle medicine is the daily set of behaviours that send better signals to your body and brain. How you move. What and when you eat. How you sleep. How you manage stress. How you connect. It is evidence-informed and livable. Not fancy. Not perfect. Just consistent choices that nudge you towards balance now and protect your long-term health span.

The Role of Ritual: Herbal Tea as a Daily Anchor

Candice didn’t set out to start a business. She simply started blending teas that made her feel better. Ingredients that soothed, grounded, and gently supported her health. Over time, these blends became daily rituals. Small moments of control and care in an otherwise overwhelming season.

Mother Cuppa was born not from a business plan, but from real need and real experience.

Struggling with sleep in midlife?

You’re doing everything “right.”
You’ve cut back on sugar, started walking more, maybe even swapped your evening scroll for a book. But the 3 a.m. wake-ups still come—and you’re left wondering, Why can’t I just sleep?

If that sounds familiar, I want you to know this:
You’re not doing anything wrong.
You’re not broken.
Your sleep has shifted because you have shifted.

And now, it’s time to gently shift with it.

In a recent episode of Women’s Health Unwrapped, I sat down with sleep consultant Imogen Russell to explore why sleep often feels harder in midlife—and what we can actually do about it.

This isn’t about miracle cures or fancy supplements. It’s about understanding your body, tuning in to what it needs now, and building small, meaningful habits that support the rest you deserve.

Nancy’s story: early menopause and a wake-up call

Nancy was diagnosed with osteopenia (a precursor to osteoporosis) after entering menopause at 43. She had all the classic midlife responsibilities—children, career, a packed diary—and, like so many of us, had put herself at the bottom of the list.

That diagnosis was her turning point.

She began walking every day, lifting weights, adjusting her nutrition, and learning how to work with her body instead of against it. She focused on sleep, recovery, and consistency—not perfection. And today, her bone health has improved without needing medication.

Let’s be honest—menopause is still a bit of a taboo in many workplaces. It’s something whispered about rather than openly discussed, yet for millions of women, it’s a daily reality that affects how they feel, think, and perform at work. I’ve spoken to so many women who’ve told me that brain fog, anxiety, or sheer exhaustion have made them doubt their own abilities.