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Add to that outdated medical training, gaps in menopause education, and a post-pandemic system under extreme pressure, and it’s no wonder women feel dismissed or misdiagnosed.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

For decades, we’ve been sold a version of midlife that sounds like this:

"Hold it all together. Smile. Keep going. Everyone feels like this."

The unspoken part?

"And don’t you dare fall apart."

But here’s the truth, whispered through 155 podcast conversations I’ve hosted, shouted in the moments I fell apart, and gently spoken in the messages women send me every single week:

You are allowed to fall apart.

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.

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.

If you’ve been ignoring your pelvic floor health, it’s time to rethink that decision. Did you know that poor pelvic floor health can lead to a variety of issues like incontinence, pelvic pain, and even lower back discomfort? In this blog post, we’ll explore why pelvic floor health should be a priority for women, particularly during midlife and menopause, and how you can take simple, actionable steps to strengthen this vital part of your body.

Struggling to break free from unhealthy habits? Discover three simple, actionable steps to create lasting health changes in this inspiring podcast episode. Learn how to rewire your mindset, overcome common barriers, and build habits that align with your goals. Dive into expert insights and practical strategies to transform your health journey today!

When my anxiety started in 1995 the word wasn’t even applied to what I was feeling, even by the doctor. In fact I remember him referring to it as ‘another funny turn’.

On the outside it appeared I was living a very normal life and doing what someone very normal did, but on the inside I felt everything was rapidly closing in on me.

To acknowledge and celebrate International Women’s Day 2023 and the Embrace Equity focus for this year, it’s time to get clear on why women living healthily is key to driving the changes that we need for a fair world.

One of the big things we need to better support everyone on is the topic of menopause. We need to normalise the conversation on this, especially in the workplace.

Providing services and having policies in place to support women navigating menopause is essential, but so to is creating an organisational culture where awareness of menopause, and talking openly about it, for everyone, is the norm.

Worrying about whether you’re thin, slim, attractive, worthy enough to go to your Christmas social event?

What’s finally changed for me over the past few years is that I don’t worry about starving myself to feel good enough and ready to have a good time. I no longer let a social occasion pass by or fill me with dread because I haven’t had time to diet. I also won’t let more valuable minutes of my life be consumed with feeling like I’m failing because I’m not a certain size or shape.

We all go through varying seasons in our lives, and some of these are guaranteed to have as part of them, very specific physiological add-ons. Things that happen to our bodies and minds we can’t just choose to ignore or neglect.

How much do you know about the seasons of your life and what they are likely to bring with them? Are you creating the healthy mind and body you need to support and protect you for the rest of your life?

Being aware of what might change or be an obstacle as you go through different life stages will help you to be prepared to protect yourself and successfully maintain your health and happiness.