Hot Flushes & High Hopes: Navigating Midlife Mayhem with a Smile (and Maybe a Fan)

Midlife. Oh, that glorious chapter where our bodies become a surprise party we didn’t ask to be invited to. It's complete with hot flushes, mood swings, and the sudden urge to run away if anyone eats or breathes too noisily. (Irrational? Maybe. Real? Absolutely.)

But here’s the thing: while perimenopause and menopause can feel like a hormonal hostage situation, they’re also a gateway to powerful transformation. And no one said we can’t laugh while we evolve. In fact, sometimes a well-timed eye roll, a knowing smile, and a sense of humour are the very things that carry us through the wildest days (along with wine, chocolate and our dear girlfriends!).

“Is it me, or is it 400 degrees in here?” The Delights of the Hot Flush

Let’s reframe this 'not so little' fiery furnace moment, shall we? You’re not overheating, you’re radiating, darling. (Just maybe not in a romantic, candlelit-dinner kind of way you'd prefer!)

Mood Swings: Just Honest Opinions with Less Patience

You’re not “moody.” You’re discerning, intuitive, and officially done tolerating nonsense. What used to be suppressed is now expressed, and that my friend, is growth. Glorious,

unapologetic growth.

“Did I Come in Here for Something?” Brain Fog, Served Daily

Menopausal brain fog: where every room is a riddle of why you went in and every item is playing hide and seek. Forgetting where you put your phone for the 14th time this week isn’t the end of the world. (Unless it’s in the fridge. Then we may need to talk.)

The Power of Smiling (Even When You Want to Scream)

Smiling isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s a rebellious act of joy. It confuses the unworthy, calms the nerves, and, most delightfully, it keeps people wondering what you’re plotting. And that’s always good fun (or is that just showing my sadistic side!)

Riding the Waves, Honouring the Change Without Losing Your Spark

This isn’t about fading. It’s about becoming. Honour the shifts, the feelings, and the stretch marks of life. You’re in a season of shedding what no longer serves and stepping fully into what does. It can feel scary and unsettling, but the other side of that is 'fabulousness' -

I promise!

Laugh. Cry. Fan Yourself. Or Do All Three at Once.

You’ve earned your wisdom, your tolerance - or lack of it and your style. This is your era. Own it, sweaty top lip and all.

Midlife Isn’t a Crisis. It’s a Chrysalis.

Yes, there may be moments of madness, memory lapses, and mystery symptoms (Lord only knows I can list an armful). But there’s also joy, clarity, a whole lot of growth and stepping into your true authentic self. A time to rise into your fullest, fiercest, funniest self.

And let’s not forget, there are many beautiful women who, heartbreakingly, don’t get the chance to reach this stage. So let’s embrace it, for ourselves and for them. Let’s live with love, courage, purpose… and a generous splash of joy.

We’ve earned it.

So, smile often. Laugh loudly. And carry a trusty fan!

Dedication: I’d like to dedicate this blog to the incredible women in my life, and to all women out there, who have walked, or are still walking, the path through cancer or any terminal illness.

You inspire me every single day to try to be the best version of myself and to grab life with both hands. Thank you. xx

Transforming Midlife - July 2025