Menopausal Health – making a difference with Lifestyle Medicine

Lifestyle Medicine encompasses six pillars of non-pharmacological interventions, which can support long-term health. These interventions are:

1. Healthy eating
2. Physical activity
3. Mental wellbeing
4. Avoidance of risky substances
5. Restorative sleep
6. Healthy relationships

Menopause affects everyone – whether you directly, or indirectly due to effects on family members, friends, colleagues and patients. It is fantastic that menopause is becoming better understood in our society and a focus for scientific research. World Menopause Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of menopause and for us to think individually and collectively what we can do to support people through this life stage.

Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Sophie Behrman said:

“18 October recognises World Menopause Day, this year the theme is Lifestyle Medicine. Lifestyle Medicine offers a powerful, evidence-based approach towards health, including helping those going through menopause. Looking at small achievable changes that can improve our diet, how well we sleep, our relationships and other factors can significantly improve wellbeing, have a positive impact on mental health, reduce menopausal symptoms and have added long term physical health benefits.

“Supporting women through this life stage, where many changes take place, is important. Raising awareness of the positives of Lifestyle Medicine will hopefully help those who may feel overwhelmed or vulnerable.”

For most women, symptoms of menopause are mild but for some they can be more troublesome. Recent studies have shown how the brain changes through menopause and the rewiring, or “grandmother upgrade” likely carries significant evolutionary benefit – it isn’t a surprise that people may have some psychological or cognitive symptoms while this renovation is underway. We also know that post-menopausal women are happier than younger women and happier than their younger selves, so there is a positive outcome to look forward to for women who may be finding things tough now.

In May 2025, Oxford Health announced the launch of the Menstrual Health and Menopause Clinic. The clinic is designed to support patients known to Secondary Care Mental Health Services where there is an interplay between their mental health and the menstrual cycle or menopause.

Referrals are accepted from patients who are being seen by the Trust’s Secondary Mental Health Teams, assessments may be offered to patients being seen by Oxfordshire Mental Health Teams. For referrals or further information, please contact: menopause.clinic@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk.

Further information on the clinic found at Oxford Health: Menopause and Menstrual Health Clinic — Oxfordshire.

For urgent mental health advice, visit NHS: Urgent help for mental health