Menopause is a natural stage of life, yet its impact on our minds and everyday lives is often overlooked.
Sunday 18 October 2026 was World Menopause Day, an annual opportunity to raise awareness of menopause and the support available. To mark the occasion, Flourish created an informal, peer to peer focused online event, bringing together experts, people with lived experience and our wider community in a safe, collaborative space for discussion, peer support and sharing tips and ideas.
We showcased women in our network whose work spans community expertise, clinical practice and holistic approaches. Together with participants, they explored how menopause can affect confidence, concentration and everyday life, and shared practical ways to feel supported.
Some of the women we have supported to focus on supporting people with peri-menopause and menopause include Ruth Meri-Newgrosh who supports people holistically and using naturally through 121, group sessions and speaking at wider events, Dr Carol Sampson at Insneuro CIC, who is a Clinical Neuropsychologist who runs courses, 121s and has a range of resources to help improve cognitive functions and navigate life with clarity. Also joining were Harriet Taylor, who founded Empowered Goddess after her own experience of forced menopause for health reasons and now runs talks, training and self-empowerment support, including on the links between neurodivergence and menopause, and Amna Choudry who supports women experiencing menopause and perimenopause through her work at Psynergy Solutions, a platform dedicated to supporting mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing, combining psychology-informed approaches with reflective and mindful practices.
Highlights and Insights from the event….
Cognitive symptoms deserve recognition. Participants described brain fog, distraction, difficulty processing information, memory lapses and changes in decision-making. These experiences can affect confidence just as much as physical symptoms. Memory and concentration problems are recognised symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
Changes can challenge your sense of self. People who previously felt organised, energetic and sociable described struggling with motivation, exhaustion and frustration. Starting a new job or maintaining responsibilities could feel particularly demanding, especially for those used to supporting others.
Every experience is different. Some people have few symptoms; others find them disruptive. Participants reflected on how past trauma, existing pressures and access to support could shape their experiences. Surgical menopause was also discussed: removal of both ovaries before natural menopause causes an immediate menopause, whereas a hysterectomy that preserves the ovaries does not necessarily do so.
Neurodivergence belongs in the conversation. Participants raised questions about how hormonal changes interact with ADHD, attention and executive functioning. They highlighted the need for individual support, without treating the suggestion that neurodivergence brings menopause forward as an established fact.
Understanding the difficulty helps identify useful support. The groups explored whether apparent forgetfulness might sometimes involve distraction or difficulty taking information in. Sleep, pain and stress were raised as factors worth considering rather than assuming every difficulty has one cause.
Menopause and mental health need careful consideration. They are distinct but can overlap. Participants wanted symptoms taken seriously, without everything being attributed to menopause or difficulties being dismissed. Depression and other mental health concerns deserve assessment and appropriate care.
Talking openly helps break the silence. Sharing lived experience can reduce isolation, create safer spaces and pass knowledge between generations. Participants also acknowledged fears about being judged, misunderstood or alienated when speaking openly.
Support at home and work makes a difference. Clear conversations about needs, greater workplace awareness and training can help. Participants recognised that workplaces vary considerably and that more work is needed to challenge stigma.
The story around menopause needs to broaden. The groups questioned negative media portrayals and reflected on how cultural attitudes differ. They wanted room for menopause to be recognised as a significant life transition, with opportunities for renewal as well as honest acknowledgement of its challenges.
Top 10 tips for managing menopause
These suggestions bring together the practical ideas and personal experiences of those who attended the event:
- Make yourself a priority. Ask yourself what you need now, from food and rest to the content you consume online. Give yourself permission to respond to those needs.
- Be kind to your changing capacity. If you feel distracted, tired or less organised, try to replace self-criticism with a realistic plan. Adjust your pace and expectations when you need to.
- Notice what is making things harder. Keep brief notes about concentration, sleep, pain, stress and mood. This can help you spot patterns and explain your concerns when seeking support.
- Give your memory and attention practical backup. Use written reminders, meeting notes and a gentle prompt to return to a task. Ask for key information in writing when that would help.
- Keep a personal list of what works. Write down techniques you try, including ideas shared by others. A handwritten list can become a familiar resource to return to on difficult days.
- Make room for rest and enjoyable movement. Prioritise a sleep routine and activity that suits you. Participants shared running and knitting as activities they found helpful; explore what feels manageable and restorative for you.
- Set boundaries around your energy. You do not have to take on every request or everyone else’s responsibilities. Allow yourself breaks and space to slow down.
- Tell trusted people what support would help. Talk with friends, family or a supportive colleague about specific needs. Where you feel comfortable, ask about workplace support and encourage menopause awareness training.
- Ask for healthcare advice and follow-up. If symptoms affect daily life, discuss them with a healthcare professional. Ask questions about possible causes and suitable treatment, and request a review if your concerns remain unresolved.
- Build your own support and comfort kit. Combine practical items, reassuring reminders and people you can turn to. Learn from those who have been through menopause, share your own experience if you wish, and leave room for this new chapter to unfold in your own way.
