When people talk about menopause, the focus is usually on physical symptoms. Hot flushes, night sweats, disrupted sleep. But for many women, the emotional and mental changes are just as challenging — and often harder to explain.

You might notice your confidence slipping, your patience running thin, or your thoughts becoming more negative than before. This doesn’t mean you’re weak or failing. It means your mind and body are adjusting to major changes.

Understanding what’s happening beneath the surface is an important first step. When you recognise that these feelings have a cause, it becomes easier to stop blaming yourself and start finding ways to move forward.