Menopause: Your Second Spring
A holistic look at one of life’s most transformative stages — through compassion, science, and strength.
Article by Carly Rowley - Elgin House Practoce Manager.
Menopause isn’t an ending — it’s an evolution.
Every CIS Woman, and some gender diverse and queer people, will experience menopause, yet it’s one of the least discussed and most misunderstood transitions in health.
At Elgin House, we see menopause not as a decline, but as a biological and emotional evolution. It’s a natural process — one that deserves informed, evidence-based care and a compassionate approach.
What’s actually happening during menopause?
Menopause marks 12 consecutive months without a period, signalling the end of ovarian hormone production. The years leading up to this stage are called perimenopause — a time when oestrogen and progesterone fluctuate dramatically, often causing noticeable symptoms.
This hormonal shift can influence almost every system in the body:
Brain: Brain fog, forgetfulness, mood changes
Heart: Changes in cholesterol and blood pressure
Muscles & Bones: Loss of muscle tone and bone density
Reproductive system: Vaginal dryness, urinary changes
Sleep & Energy: Night sweats, fatigue, and disrupted rest
Menopause is officially diagnosed after one year without a period, typically between ages 45 and 55, though it can occur earlier or later.
Why it matters — and what oestrogen really does
Oestrogen isn’t just a reproductive hormone. It’s a key protector for your heart, bones, and brain.
As oestrogen levels fall, the risks for certain health conditions naturally rise:
Osteoporosis: Weakened bones increase fracture risk.
Cardiovascular disease: Oestrogen helps regulate cholesterol and maintain healthy blood vessels.
Cognitive changes: Research shows menopause can temporarily affect memory and concentration.
Metabolic shifts: Weight distribution, insulin sensitivity, and energy regulation can all change.
This knowledge isn’t meant to alarm — it’s meant to empower. Awareness helps us take proactive steps to protect long-term health.
A time for renewal — not retreat
Across cultures, menopause has long been seen as a time of wisdom and transformation. In traditional Chinese medicine, it’s called a “second spring” — a chance to refocus on balance, nourishment, and vitality.
With the right support, menopause can be a powerful reset.
Here’s what we know helps:
Nutrition: Prioritise calcium, vitamin D, and protein to support bone and muscle health.
Movement: Weight-bearing and resistance training help counteract muscle and bone loss.
Stress management: Yoga, mindfulness, and deep breathing reduce cortisol, which can worsen symptoms.
Community & support: Talking about menopause normalises it — reducing stigma and isolation.
Medical care: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and evidence-based natural approaches can offer relief when guided by professionals.
At Elgin House, we combine medicine, movement, nutrition, and mindfulness to support women+ through every hormonal chapter — from menstruation to menopause and beyond.
Reframing the narrative
Menopause is not the end of vitality — it’s the beginning of a new phase of body awareness and self-care.
By understanding the biological changes and embracing supportive strategies, women+ can move through this stage feeling informed, empowered, and connected.
Your next chapter deserves the same attention and respect as your first.
Sources & Further Reading
National Institutes of Health. StatPearls: Physiology, Menopause. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507826
World Health Organization. Menopause – Fact Sheet. who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/menopause
Harvard Health Publishing. Menopause and Memory: Know the Facts. health.harvard.edu/blog/menopause-and-memory-know-the-facts-202111032630
Monash University. Review highlights menopause research gaps and calls for a new definition. monash.edu
RACGP. Making Choices at Menopause. Australian Journal of General Practice (2019). racgp.org.au
Nature. The Menopause Research Revolution. nature.com/articles/d41586-025-00069-4