The Changing Canvas: How Hormones Shape Our Bodies During Menopause - Guest blog by Hazel Hayden

At Bristol Menopause & Wellwoman Clinic, I meet women every day who look in

the mirror and wonder, “What on earth is happening to me?” The answer is almost

never “You’re letting yourself go.” Instead, your reflection is showing a perfectly

normal and fiercely hormonal metamorphosis. My aim, both here and in the

consulting room, is to replace fear or shame with knowledge, practical tools and a

hefty dose of self‑ compassion.

First things first: the hormonal lineup

Menopause isn’t a single event‑ ‑ it’s a transition that begins with perimenopause

and evolves into post‑ menopause. The headline hormones are:

 Oestrogen – the leading lady whose gradual exit forces the rest of the cast to

improvise.

 Progesterone – often falls first and fastest, disrupting sleep and equilibrium.

 Testosterone – ebbs more slowly, so its ratio to oestrogen feels higher.

 Cortisol & Insulin – not reproductive, yet both become more temperamental,

influencing fat storage, stress reactivity and energy.

Body shape & weight: biology, not blame

If your waistband feels tighter—especially around the middle—don’t assume you’re

doing something wrong. Lower oestrogen encourages the body to stockpile

abdominal fat because that tissue can make a little oestrogen of its own.

Simultaneously:

 Metabolism slows and muscle mass shrinks.

 Insulin sensitivity shifts, making fat easier to store, tougher to burn.

 Cortisol spikes more readily, adding to belly fat.

That’s why at the clinic we pair strength training, stress‑ taming movement and

personalised nutrition with support such as Menopause by Hazel supplements—

a blend of science‑ backed nutrients designed to steady metabolism, blood sugar

and mood.

Skin: when oestrogen leaves the building

Oestrogen fuels collagen, elastin and natural oils, so its decline can show up as: Dryness or newfound sensitivity

 Thinner skin that bruises easily

 Fine lines, sagging, and a dulled glow

Switching to barrier‑ loving moisturisers, ceramides, peptides and

collagen‑ supporting actives can restore resilience. (Our clinic’s Skin Health

Review is a popular add‑ on.)

Hair & nails: the crowning (dis)glory

With less oestrogen and progesterone to keep follicles in growth mode, you may

notice:

 Thinning at the crown or temples

 Increased shedding or slower regrowth

 Drier, coarser texture

 Stray facial hairs (thanks to relative testosterone dominance)

 Softer, break‑ prone nails

Targeted nutrition (biotin, marine collagen, iron if deficient) plus gentle,

sulphate‑ free products and regular trims often make a visible difference.

The mind–body connection

Oestrogen is a neurological multitasker. When levels dip, brain chemistry changes,

and you can feel:

 “Off” in your own skin

 More anxious, flat or tearful

 Foggy‑ headed or forgetful

 A sense that your pre‑ menopause identity is slipping

Knowing these feelings are hormonally rooted helps lift the weight of self‑ blame. At

the clinic we combine lifestyle coaching with evidence‑ based therapies—from

CBT‑ i for sleep to, when appropriate, body‑ identical HRT.

Five ways to work with your changing hormones

1. Dress for today’s body. Celebrate the silhouette you have now; tailoring and

clever fabrics do wonders for confidence.

2. Hydrate & nourish your skin. Think rich moisturisers, SPF every day, barrier

repair at night.3. Rethink haircare. A sympathetic stylist plus strengthening masks and gentle

scalp massage can revive volume.

4. Move smart. Two to three sessions of resistance training a week, layered

with yoga, Pilates or brisk walks, bolsters bone, muscle and mood.

5. Personalise your support. Whether that’s dietary tweaks,

Menopause by Hazel supplements, or discussing HRT, get advice that fits

you. Book a consultation at Bristol Menopause & Wellwoman Clinic or speak

with a qualified menopause practitioner.

Menopause is a transition, not a decline. When you understand the why, you can

rewrite the how—emerging with a body that may look different but can feel strong,

vibrant and unmistakably yours.

If you’d like more tailored guidance, browse the resource hub and book

appointments at Bristol Menopause & Wellwoman Clinic, or explore my

“Menopause by Hazel” supplement range for science‑ led nutritional support.

Hazel Hayden is the Founder of Bristol Menopause & Wellwoman Clinic and

British Menopause Society Specialist