Your Monthly Menopause Round Up-December
- glenkate
- Dec 1, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 11, 2025
Welcome to December's Menopause Unmasked Round Up!
Something happened this week that really stuck with me, and I knew I had to tell you about it. because it perfectly sums up why I do this work…
I went out for dinner with a group of girlfriends. I’m 42, the oldest at the table. The others, all in their 30s, asked about my menopause coaching business.
Their response?
“Oh, I won’t need you yet… I’ll come back when I’m older.”
Inside, I was silently screaming.
Because here’s the truth:
Menopause education isn’t something we should wait for.
Everyone needs to understand what’s happening in their body long before symptoms begin.
So many people reach perimenopause completely unprepared; confused, worried, and feeling like they’re the only one.
But the earlier you learn about hormones, lifestyle shifts, and what to expect, the easier it is to feel confident, supported, and in control.
This moment reminded me exactly why Menopause Unmasked exists:
Bringing honest, accessible education to all ages
Normalising conversations long before crisis hits
Empowering people to understand their bodies, not fear the changes
As we move into the new year, I’m more committed than ever to helping you feel informed, supported, and empowered, whatever stage you’re in.
Wishing you a joyful, calm, and restorative Christmas.
Menopause News
In a major shift for international menopause care, in the United States the FDA has announced the removal of the long-standing black box warnings from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products.
These warnings were originally added more than 20 years ago after early findings from the Women’s Health Initiative suggested links between HRT and increased risks of breast cancer, heart disease, and dementia. However, decades of follow-up research have shown that these risks were overstated, misinterpreted, or only applied to specific groups.
Key points from the announcement:
Black box warnings are being removed following a full scientific review and expert panel recommendations.
Starting HRT within 10 years of menopause is now understood to reduce risks of fractures, cardiovascular disease, and overall mortality.
People who begin HRT before age 60 may see up to a 50% reduction in heart attack risk and a 35% reduction in Alzheimer’s risk.
This update is seen as a positive step towards evidence-based, informed choice, helping more people access effective treatment without outdated fear.
Product labelling will be updated to reflect modern research and a more accurate balance of benefits and risks.
This is a significant moment in menopause healthcare and it will hopefully help more people access the relief and support they need with confidence. While the FDA’s decision applies only to the United States, it may influence future conversations and research around HRT safety worldwide. UK guidance won’t change automatically, but shifts like this often prompt review and discussion among UK regulators and menopause specialists.
Quick Tip!
Alcohol and perimenopause
Alcohol and perimenopause have a complicated relationship. Understanding this can make a huge difference to your symptoms. As hormones start to fluctuate, your body becomes more sensitive to alcohol. That means even small amounts can have a bigger impact than they used to. Here’s what’s really going on:
🍷 1. Alcohol can intensify hot flushes and night sweats
It dilates blood vessels and raises body temperature, the last thing you need when your thermostat already feels broken.
😴 2. It disrupts your sleep (even if it helps you fall asleep)
Alcohol stops your brain from reaching deep, restorative sleep. So you might fall asleep quickly but wake up at 2–3am wide awake and wired.
🧠 3. It increases anxiety and low mood the next day
Perimenopause already affects mood-regulating hormones. Alcohol can amplify the wobbles, irritability, or “morning dread” many people describe.
🔥 4. It can make blood sugar swings worse
Blood sugar instability = more fatigue, irritability, cravings and brain fog.
Try this instead:
Swap every other drink for a non-alcoholic version
Stick to alcohol-free days to give your nervous system a break
Drink earlier in the evening so your sleep isn’t as disrupted
Notice how different drinks affect you, some trigger symptoms more than others
This isn’t about giving anything up forever. It’s about understanding the impact so you can make choices that support your energy, mood, and overall wellbeing during perimenopause. Small changes make a big difference. 💛
What We Are Up To
Next month I’m starting a new midwifery job, stepping into an education role to help keep my passion for midwifery alive. For now, my focus will be on settling into this new chapter and giving myself the space I need to grow.
I’m also in conversation with Beaufort Community Centre about running a menopause talk in the New Year, which I’m really excited about. I still plan to offer a post-menopause workshop and other events in 2026, but I’m also choosing to be kind to myself and not overcommit until I am more settled in my midwifery job.
I’m still very much available for 1:1 menopause coaching, workplace sessions, and keynote talks.
If you need support, have an idea, or want to bring Menopause Unmasked into your organisation or community, I’d love to hear from you.
If there’s something specific you’d like me to create or cover, please let me know.
I always value your feedback.
