http://www.healthandhormones.co.uk/

Hampshire Health and Hormones, Spire Hospital, Chalybeate Close, Southampton (2025)

24/11/2025

Do your joints feel stiffer, heavier or more painful the moment the weather turns cold? ❄️

For many women in perimenopause and menopause, winter is the season when joint pain becomes harder to ignore. But this is not simply “getting older”. Cold weather and hormonal shifts interact in ways that shape how your body feels every single day.

Here is what is really going on beneath the surface:

💧 Lower oestrogen means less natural lubrication, which makes joints feel drier and movement more uncomfortable.

🥶 Cold temperatures tighten your muscles and slow blood flow, increasing stiffness and making it harder for your body to warm up.

🌄 Morning stiffness becomes more intense because circulation is sluggish and the body takes longer to get moving.

🔥 Inflammation often rises in cold weather, especially when hormonal changes have already made your joints more sensitive.

🦴 Bone density naturally drops during menopause, making joints feel more vulnerable and achy in colder months.

These changes are not just menopause and they are not just winter. They are a combination of hormone changes, reduced lubrication and how your body responds to colder temperatures. Understanding the cause makes finding relief much easier ✨

If your aches worsen every winter, it is not in your head and you do not have to push through it alone.

Tap ❤️ if you want more support for winter menopause symptoms.

******er

23/11/2025

Some days it feels like your body is running the show and you are just trying to keep up. But even when everything feels chaotic, your hormones are not fixed in that state. Balance is possible. Chaos is not permanent.

Midlife shifts, perimenopause and menopause can leave you feeling up and down with no clear pattern, but those symptoms are messages, not destiny. With the right support, your energy can stabilise, your mood can lift and your body can feel like home again.

💛 Save this as your reminder that hormonal balance is achievable, and you do not have to stay in survival mode.

22/11/2025

Your mood swings are not random. They are biochemical.

Oestrogen and progesterone shape how you think, feel and cope, especially through perimenopause and menopause. When these hormones shift, so does your emotional landscape. Here is what is happening beneath the surface:

🧠 Oestrogen and serotonin
Oestrogen supports serotonin, the neurotransmitter that stabilises mood, sleep and emotional wellbeing. When oestrogen dips, serotonin dips too, which can trigger irritability, sadness and a shorter stress threshold.

🔗 Oestrogen and brain connectivity
It strengthens communication between the parts of the brain that manage memory, emotional regulation and stress responses. When oestrogen falls, many women notice brain fog or emotional ups and downs.

🌿 Progesterone and calm
Progesterone interacts with GABA receptors, which help you feel grounded and relaxed. When progesterone drops, it is common to feel anxious, unsettled or overstimulated.

😴 Sleep and mood
Hormone shifts disrupt sleep, and poor sleep reduces emotional resilience and makes stress harder to handle.

Your mood is not “all in your head.” It is your chemistry in motion. When you understand the biology, you can meet yourself with compassion instead of frustration.

💛 Save this for the days your emotions feel out of sync.

21/11/2025

Did you know your hormones rely on healthy fats to function properly?

For many women in perimenopause and menopause, inflammation can make symptoms like joint pain, bloating, low mood, and fatigue feel so much worse. One of the simplest ways to support your body is by choosing fats that calm inflammation rather than fuel it.

Here are four hormone-friendly fats that make a real difference:

🫒 Olive oil
Rich in antioxidants that protect your cells and help lower inflammation throughout the body.

🥑 Avocado
Packed with fibre and monounsaturated fats that support blood sugar balance and healthy hormones.

🐟 Omega-3-rich fish
Salmon, mackerel and sardines help reduce joint pain, support brain health and calm inflammation.

🌰 Nuts and seeds
Walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseeds provide essential fatty acids that support hormone production and skin health.

Small shifts in fat choices can help stabilise mood, reduce discomfort and support long term wellness, especially through midlife.

Want support choosing foods that work with your hormones, not against them? Save this post and start adding one of these fats to your meals this week.

21/11/2025

💧 Ever feel bloated, heavy, or just “stuck” in your body for no clear reason? You are not imagining it. When your lymphatic system slows down, hormones can build up, digestion feels sluggish, and everything from energy to mood can dip.

Your lymphatic system is your body’s natural drainage network. It clears toxins, waste, and excess hormones, but it needs movement and gentle stimulation to keep things flowing.

Here are 5 simple self-massage techniques that can help support hormone detox and reduce that puffy, weighed down feeling:

✨ Neck sweeps: Light strokes from behind your ears down to your collarbone to open lymph pathways.
💪 Underarm circles: Slow circles in your armpit area to support key lymph nodes involved in hormone processing.
💆‍♀️ Abdominal flow: Clockwise belly circles to support digestion and ease bloating.
🦵 Inner thigh glides: Gentle upward strokes along your inner thighs to move lymph from the legs and hips.
🫶 Chest and collarbone sweep: Light sweeping motions across your chest and down toward the underarms to support upper-body drainage.

💧 Extra tip: Drink water afterwards to help your body flush everything through.

Save this post and try these tonight. A few minutes of consistency can make a real difference to bloating, energy, and hormone balance.

18/11/2025

Studies show hormones can influence how we experience pain. Fluctuating oestrogen levels can lower pain thresholds, making many women more sensitive to discomfort. These wild swings often happen in perimenopause, and the natural decline in oestrogen at menopause can also contribute to increased pain.
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Pain sensitivity often rises just before and during a period when s*x hormones are low. Some women also notice increased pain around ovulation when oestrogen peaks and then drops.
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While changes in oestrogen can heighten pain, testosterone and progesterone are usually linked with a reduced experience of pain. One small study in women with fibromyalgia showed the lowest pain levels when progesterone was at its peak. Other studies show women with chronic pain feel more sensitive around their period when hormones are lowest. More research is needed, but the hormonal link is clear.
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Cortisol, the stress hormone, affects pain too. It helps reduce inflammation, but cortisol is naturally low at night, which may explain why pain often feels worse then. Persistently high cortisol can also contribute to ongoing pain.
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Thyroid imbalance can cause joint pain and muscle aches, and hormone-driven conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids often come with cyclical pain.
👩‍⚕️
If you notice your pain levels change throughout your cycle or midlife, it may be worth exploring whether hormones are playing a role.
👩‍⚕️
If you have regular or persistent pain, always speak with a doctor to get it properly assessed.

******er

17/11/2025

👂 Did you know that itchy ears could be a symptom of perimenopause?

It might surprise you, but fluctuating hormone levels can cause all kinds of unexpected changes… including itchy ears! 😮

In this video, Dr. Katie explains why this happens during perimenopause and shares tips on how to find relief.

✨ If you've been dealing with itchy ears and wondering why, don't miss this!

💬 Got more questions about perimenopause? Drop them in the comments.

******er

16/11/2025

💭 Many women avoid HRT because of fear, not facts. But the right questions can change everything.

The link between HRT and breast cancer often feels confusing, leaving many women unsure where to start. The truth is, the conversation about risk isn’t black and white. It’s about understanding your body, your health, and your choices.

For many women, the benefits of HRT go far beyond symptom relief. It supports heart, bone, brain, and mental health when used appropriately. The key is asking informed questions and working with a healthcare provider who considers your full health picture.

Here’s where to start 👇

💬 What type of HRT is safest for me?
Oestrogen-only and combined HRT affect risk differently. The route you take (patch, gel, tablet) also plays a role.

📆 How long should I take HRT?
There’s no fixed timeline. The goal is relief and balance, reviewed regularly with your doctor.

👩‍⚕️ How often should I have breast screenings?
Regular mammograms and self-checks give peace of mind. Ask how often you should screen based on your age and risk factors.

💊 Does the type of progesterone or oestrogen matter?
Yes, it does. Body-identical hormones are often considered a gentler, more natural option for many women.

🧬 What’s my personal risk based on family history and lifestyle?
Your genetics, nutrition, alcohol intake, stress, and weight all influence hormone metabolism and breast health.

When it comes to your health, the right questions aren’t just empowering, they’re protective.

Book a consultation to discuss your individual HRT options and understand what’s truly right for your body.

14/11/2025

You’re not lazy, your energy swings might be blood sugar swings.

If you’re relying on caffeine and snacks to stay awake, your blood sugar could be on a rollercoaster. When blood sugar spikes and crashes, your energy, mood, and hormones follow the same pattern.

Here’s what’s happening 👇

When you skip meals or eat too many quick carbs, your body releases glucose into your bloodstream. Insulin then rushes in to lower it, leaving you tired, irritable, and craving more sugar. Over time, this cycle strains your adrenals and throws off hormone balance, especially cortisol, oestrogen, and progesterone.

🍳 Start your day with protein
Breakfast sets the tone for your energy. Eggs, nuts, or Greek yoghurt can help keep you full and balanced for hours.

🥗 Pair carbs with fibre and protein
Adding healthy fats and greens slows glucose release, keeping your energy steady and your hormones supported.

🕒 Eat regularly
Long gaps between meals make cortisol rise and blood sugar crash. Regular, balanced meals keep energy consistent.

💧 Hydrate and move
Water helps regulate blood sugar, while light movement after eating improves glucose control and reduces cravings.

Small, consistent choices keep your energy and hormones in sync so you can feel steady, focused, and calm.

Save this post as your guide to beating fatigue naturally and keeping your energy balanced all day.

13/11/2025

💗 We’re so pleased to hear that this patient is feeling more like herself again after struggling with perimenopause symptoms that were affecting her everyday life.

With the right care, understanding, and a holistic approach, balance really can be restored… and it’s always wonderful to see the difference that thoughtful treatment can make.

Dr Katie shared how much it means to see her patients feeling well again and how rewarding it is to guide them toward better health and confidence.

✨ If you’ve been feeling out of balance or unsure where to start, book a consultation at www.hampshirehealthandhormones.co.uk to get the support and clarity you deserve.

12/11/2025

💧 Think you’re hydrated? Your hormones might disagree.

When it comes to hormone balance, hydration does more than quench your thirst. It helps regulate cortisol, temperature, digestion, and even how your body processes oestrogen. Yet most of us underestimate how much hydration we lose through stress, caffeine, and alcohol.

Even “moderate” drinking can make things worse. Alcohol disrupts your sleep, spikes cortisol, and raises your body temperature, which can trigger hot flashes and night sweats. It also slows your metabolism, contributes to water retention, and leaves you feeling bloated and fatigued the next day.

Here’s how to hydrate smarter and keep your hormones happy 👇

🥤 Consider electrolytes, not just water after a workout or sweating.
Minerals like magnesium, sodium, and potassium help your body absorb water efficiently and support steady energy and hormone regulation.

🍵 Use herbal teas to support hormones
Chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos teas support liver function and may reduce bloating while hydrating your system gently.

⏰ Space your fluids through the day
Sipping consistently helps maintain hydration and energy, instead of overwhelming your kidneys or diluting minerals all at once.

🥒 Eat your hydration
Cucumbers, soups, and leafy greens are packed with water and nutrients that support hormonal detox and energy balance.

🚫 Watch caffeine and alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol both dehydrate you and elevate cortisol. If you drink, pair it with water or electrolytes and prioritise extra hydration the next day to rebalance your system.

Small hydration habits can make a big difference to your energy, mood, and hormone health.

Save this post and try these simple hydration swaps this week. Your hormones (and your sleep) will thank you.

11/11/2025

✨ Nobody talks enough about the good side of menopause.
Yes, the symptoms can be tough, but for many women, this stage also brings unexpected peace, clarity, and confidence. Once hormones start to rebalance and self-care becomes a priority, something shifts, you rediscover yourself.

Whether it’s better sleep, steadier moods, or simply caring less about what others think, there’s beauty in this new chapter.

💭 What’s surprised you most in a positive way? Vote in the poll and let’s celebrate the wins that don’t get talked about enough.

Hampshire Health and Hormones

24/11/2025

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