🔥 What Does Stress Have to Do with Menopause?

Understanding Allostatic Load and Why Menopause Hits Some Women Harder

When we talk about menopause, we often zero in on hormones — oestrogen, progesterone, maybe testosterone. But what if the real story is bigger? What if how you experience menopause isn’t just about your hormone levels… but about how much stress your body has carried over the years?

Let’s introduce a concept that’s been transforming how we view midlife health: allostatic load.

🚗 Think of Your Body Like a Car Engine

Your body is designed to adapt. Just like an engine revs when needed, your body rises to challenges: work deadlines, illness, family responsibilities, even trauma. In short bursts, this stress response helps us survive. But when that stress becomes chronic — day in, day out — the engine keeps revving. And over time, wear and tear builds up.

That long-term physiological strain is what scientists call allostatic load.

🌀 Why Allostatic Load Matters During Menopause

When your body’s already stretched from years of chronic stress — whether from poor sleep, financial pressure, caregiving, discrimination, or trauma — it has fewer reserves left to navigate hormonal shifts.

That’s why some women experience far more intense menopause symptoms than others.
Symptoms like:

• Hot flushes

• Insomnia

• Anxiety or mood swings

• Brain fog

• Joint aches

• Unexplained weight gain

These aren’t just “hormonal.” They’re compounded by the body’s diminished ability to adapt — a high allostatic load.

🧬 What the Research Says

Several studies shed light on this connection:

• African American women report more severe and longer-lasting menopausal symptoms compared to white women.

• The landmark SWAN study (Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation) found that Black and Hispanic women had higher allostatic load scores — and also worse health outcomes in midlife.

• This disparity is linked to cumulative stress — from systemic racism, financial insecurity, caregiving responsibilities, and more.

It’s not just about oestrogen. It’s about how resilient your body can be in the face of transition.

🧪 How Is Allostatic Load Measured?

Allostatic load isn’t visible on the surface. But it can be assessed through a combination of biomarkers across major systems in your body. These include:

• Stress hormones: Cortisol, DHEA-S

• Cardiovascular indicators: Blood pressure, resting heart rate

• Metabolic markers: HbA1c, glucose, lipid profile, waist-hip ratio

• Inflammatory markers: C-reactive protein (CRP)

These tests can help gauge the long-term burden stress has placed on your body — and how much support you may need during menopause.

🌿 So What Can You Do?

The good news? Allostatic load is modifiable. You can reduce it — and make the menopause transition smoother.

Here’s how:

✔️ Sleep — Deep, restorative sleep is non-negotiable
✔️ Anti-inflammatory nutrition — Whole, fibre-rich foods with plenty of antioxidants
✔️ Movement — Regular, joyful physical activity
✔️ Connection — Community, purpose, and emotional support
✔️ Mind-body practices — Yoga, breathwork, tai chi, meditation

At Harmony Lifestyle Clinic, we approach menopause with more than just HRT. We assess your symptoms holistically, explore your stress history, measure key biomarkers, and guide you through evidence-based lifestyle interventions that truly work.

🌸 Menopause Isn’t Just About Hormones. It’s About Healing the Whole Person.

If you’re feeling like menopause hit you harder than it should have, it’s not in your head. It might be in your nervous system. In your past. In your environment. And you’re not alone.

Let’s move beyond “just hormones.” Let’s talk about resilience, recovery, and repair.

📍 Harmony Lifestyle Clinic – Empowered Midlife Health

We support women through perimenopause and menopause using a combination of:

• Detailed assessments

• Personalised lifestyle plans

• HRT (if appropriate)

• Stress and metabolic health support

• Ongoing coaching and follow-up

📍 Locations: Middlesbrough | Darlington | York
🌐 www.harmonylifestyleclinic.com
📞 07830 349955
📧 [email protected]
In collaboration with Hexagon Health

Dr Jahnavi Veeramasuneni
MBBS, MRCGP, Dip BSLM, BMS Member
GP | Lifestyle Medicine | Menopause Specialist