What it is
Hormonal changes can effect how your body handles fuel. Many women notice belly weight gain, worse sleep, energy dips and rising cholesterol or blood sugar, even when eating and exercise haven't changed. After menopause, cardiovascular and type 2 diabetes risk climbs, and most women are never told that the metabolic shift is part of the transition.

How natural medicine helps
Natural medicine can support this transition, and it works best alongside your GP's input on menopausal hormone therapy.

• Adequate protein at every meal, combined with resistance training, to protect muscle and insulin sensitivity

• Low carbohydrate, high fibre style eating to support lipids, blood pressure and weight

• Sleep and stress strategies, because poor sleep can amplify insulin resistance

• Magnesium and omega 3s for sleep, mood and cardiovascular support

• Soy foods and, where appropriate, herbal medicine for vasomotor symptoms, with honest guidance on the evidence (black cohosh and sage show mixed but promising results for hot flushes)

• Screening for the things that get missed: fasting glucose, lipids, thyroid function, iron and vitamin D

Limitation to state clearly: Herbs can interact with medications, including hormone therapy. Always disclose everything you take.