Perimenopause and menopause can be difficult and even overwhelming for some of us. There are the many physical symptoms which might hit from the ‘traditional’ hot flushes, joint aches, and tiredness to name but a few; psychological symptoms, such as increased anxiety and/or depression; plus loss of libido. All this can make us feel out of control and lost.

Our identity can shift at this time too, as perhaps we no longer have such child-rearing responsibilities, as children become independent and leave home; perhaps there are also ageing parents to worry about and look after. For some, this can be a time of turmoil with questions around “what am I losing, who am I now, where is my purpose and meaning?”.

Some talk of the ‘change of life’ to describe menopause, it is the ending of our fertility and it can feel like a crossroads: a real life transition. In her book ‘New Passages’, Gail Sheehy describes it as a ‘second adulthood’ - a time when 50 (or so) years of experience in living begin to come together.

Second adulthood can be about new possibilities, opportunities and horizons; it can be a time to consider and reflect on how one wants to spend the rest of one’s life and start to make changes to make that happen.