31/10/2025
Why does menopause affect more than just your hormones?
I just read fascinating research published in Science journal (October 2025) that completely changed how I understand perimenopause and menopause—and I had to share it with you.
Here's what the researchers found:
As your ovarian follicles decline with age (which happens naturally from our mid-30s onwards), your sympathetic nervous system—your "fight or flight" response—becomes significantly MORE active in the ovaries.
At the same time, oestrogen (which normally dampens sympathetic activity) is dropping.
So essentially, your body is losing its brake pedal while someone's pressing down on the accelerator.
This explains SO much:
Why perimenopause isn't just hot flushes and irregular periods. It's:
• Constant tension in your neck, shoulders, and jaw
• Racing thoughts and difficulty switching off
• Waking at 3am and not being able to get back to sleep
• Bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea
• Increased pain sensitivity
• Feeling "wired but tired"
• Anxiety and irritability that seem to come from nowhere
The research also showed changes in GABAergic tone during perimenopause. GABA is your brain's calming neurotransmitter—the one that helps you feel relaxed and grounded. When GABA function drops and sympathetic activity increases, no wonder so many women feel like they're losing their minds during this transition.
But here's the empowering part:
Your body isn't broken. It's doing exactly what it's designed to do—adapting to hormonal changes.
The problem is that modern life—chronic stress, poor sleep, sedentary habits, nutrient depletion—means your nervous system is already maxed out BEFORE these age-related changes even begin.
When your sympathetic nervous system is stuck in overdrive, your body can't digest food properly, repair tissues effectively, regulate hormones efficiently, sleep deeply, or manage inflammation.
Understanding what's happening in your body is the first step to supporting yourself through this transition.
I've written a full breakdown of this research on the blog, including:
✨ What happens to your nervous system as follicles decline
✨ Why this affects your whole body (not just your ovaries)
✨ The connection between nerve changes, GABA, and your symptoms
✨ How to support your nervous system during hormonal transitions
If you're navigating perimenopause or menopause and feeling like your body is working against you, this article might help you understand what's really going on—and what you can do about it.
Read the full article here: https://www.vitaliahealth.com.au/wellness-insights/why-nervous-system-support-menopause
Have you noticed these changes in your own body? I'd love to hear your experience in the comments. 💬
Feeling wired, exhausted, and out of control? New research reveals why your nervous system needs extra support as your hormones shift. Find relief.