For some, HRT is a life saver. For others however it is just a continuation of the misery that led them to taking it in the first place. Here we discuss what is happening in the body during menopause and the main 3 signs that your HRT isn’t working for you.
During menopause or peri to post menopause massive changes occur in the levels of our three hormones: Oestrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone.
The first real symptoms start in peri menopause when progesterone drops, and oestrogen levels are “higher” than progesterone. This is called “oestrogen dominance”.
These symptoms can be difficult to spot and anything from disturbed sleep, lack of libido, lack of energy, weight gain and mood swings to name but a few.
As peri menopause progresses the symptoms start to increase including itchy scalps, confusion, memory loss, lack of confidence, increased food intolerances, headaches and period irregularities until some of the more tangible symptoms occur such as insomnia, hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.
It is usually these symptoms make life difficult that women end up seeking help from the GP, and are prescribed one of the current HRT offerings such as the Mirena coil, the oestrogen patch or gel or a combination pill.
And not just tired, you are exhausted and feel like you are dragging yourself around.
This is often because the oestrogen used in HRT is the most active form of oestrogen and it’s also a pretty big dose of it. This oestrogen is very stimulating. If we have already been dealing with quite a lot of stress, our nervous system can struggle to deal with this much stimulation.
This is compounded with the fact that during menopause our liver begins to struggle to remove the unused hormones in our body and we start to get a build-up. With the high doses of this very active oestrogen that can happen quickly, and our body can become overwhelmed.
This toxicity is also seen by the body as a “stressor”. In response to any stress our body produces the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is designed to get us out of danger by switching on our “flight or fight” mode but being in this mode 24/7 leads us to becoming utterly exhausted.
For some women this is a huge issue. It usually has three causes.
The first cause is that we are in that “fight or flight” mode mentioned above which hugely affects our sleep.
The second cause is because our blood sugars are imbalanced which in turn creates more stress hormone to be produced.
The third cause is really important to know because it’s actually the cause of MANY issues with synthetic HRT. Not only do we have the oestrogen dominance issue mentioned above we are also having to deal with pretend progesterone in most HRT at a time when we need real progesterone. But why is this a problem?
Pretend progesterone
The progesterone in most HRT isn’t really progesterone. It’s a synthetic called Progestin. (also called drospirenone, levonorgestrel, or medroxyprogesteron).
Chemically these are totally different. Levonorgestrel is actually more similar to testosterone than progesterone, which means we end up overstimulated and “tired but wired”.
This “pretend progesterone” also affects the body differently.
Progesterone:
Progestin:
There is however a natural (body-identical) progesterone available from your GP.
The problem with most mainstream thoughts around diet is that “calories in/calories out” is the answer, this is really flawed science.
Today’s diets are very carb heavy leading to unstable blood sugars. Even if your diet is ideal, most of us are navigating stressful lives so we are overproducing the stress hormone cortisol which combined with overstimulation from the wrong HRT leads to major hormone imbalances which can lead to weight gain.
Claire Snowdon-Darling – menopause and hormones expert, Head of The College of Functional Wellness and founder of kinesiology clinic, Balanced Wellness.
Claire is deeply passionate about educating people about the flaws that are inherent in the NHS approach to chronic conditions and what they can do themselves to get their health back. Her unique work offers cutting edge solutions to menopause and hormonal imbalances, adrenal issues, chronic fatigue, and emotional issues such as anxiety, by bringing together modern advances in nutritional science with highly effective, specialist kinesiology techniques.
June
18jun10:0016:00Legal Essentials: Supporting Women at Work
18/06/2025 10:00 - 16:00(GMT+00:00)
Did you know that tribunal claims related to menopause, menstruation, fertility treatment and pregnancy loss are rising fast? Many employers don’t realise that these issues can
Many employers don’t realise that these issues can legally qualify as a disability under the Equality Act.
Yet most of these claims are avoidable with the right training, policies and action.
That’s why I’ve partnered with employment lawyer Hannah Strawbridge to deliver a full-day, live online course designed specifically for HR, DEI, and managers.
You will be able to:
Understand your legal obligations around women’s health issues
Recognise when they may be classed as a disability under the Equality Act
Take practical steps to reduce legal and reputational risk
Learn how to avoid tribunal claims
Handle health-related conversations and workplace adjustments with confidence
Create a legally compliant Women’s Health Action Plan
Whether you’re reviewing your current policies or building a strategy from scratch, this course will give you the legal clarity and practical support you need.
DATE: Wednesday 18th June
TIME: 10.00am – 4.00pm
PLACE: Zoom
19jun18:0021:00Discover How You Can Make a Difference at our eCubed Volunteer Social
19/06/2025 18:00 - 21:00(GMT+00:00)
Arch One
83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Whatever your interests or skills, there’s a place for you on our passionate volunteer team. Together, we run inspiring
Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks, nibbles, and conversation with the eCubed team. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, how we do it, and the charities we champion.
Curious about getting involved? This is the perfect chance to throw yourself into the eCubed experience and see if it’s the right fit for you. All you need is a can-do attitude and a passion for creating positive change—everything else is a bonus.
Day : Thursday 19th June, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location : Arch One, 83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Simply register below, let us know any guests you’d like us to bring. We can’t wait to meet you. You’re guaranteed to meet some awesome people and hopefully be inspired to get involved or even share some new ideas – no pressure, no obligation.
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.