Exercise, Diet, Perimenopause, Wellbeing
A guide to essential health checks, hormone balance, nutrition, and lifestyle at midlife
By the time you reach your 40s, life may feel like it’s moving at full speed—career, family, ageing parents, and your own evolving body. But amid the whirlwind, one thing is often overlooked: your health.
If you’re over 40, now is the time to hit pause and give your body the attention it truly deserves. Think of it as your Midlife Health MOT a personalised check-in that helps you take stock, reset, and thrive through your next chapter.
At Bristol Menopause Clinic and Bristol Health Hub, we believe prevention is power. Here's what every woman should know about navigating health in her 40s and beyond.
Why Midlife is a Health Turning Point
As oestrogen begins its natural decline, your risk for a range of health conditions subtly starts to rise heart disease, osteoporosis, thyroid disorders, and insulin resistance, to name a few. Yet many women dismiss early signs of imbalance as “just stress” or “getting older.”
But here’s the good news: with the right checks, you can catch potential issues early and make lifestyle changes that genuinely protect your long-term health.
Your Midlife Health MOT: What to Include
Let’s break down the key areas you should assess in your 40s and 50s.
1. Hormone Health & Perimenopause Awareness
Are your periods irregular, sleep disrupted, or mood shifting?
Is anxiety creeping in where confidence used to be?
These may be signs of perimenopause, the hormonal transition that can begin as early as your late 30s. Checking hormone levels, talking to a menopause specialist, and reviewing symptoms is a powerful first step toward feeling like yourself again.
2. Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
Blood pressure
Cholesterol profile (including HDL/LDL)
Blood glucose and insulin levels
Oestrogen has a protective effect on your heart, so as levels fall, your risk of cardiovascular disease increases. A simple set of blood tests and blood pressure check can highlight early signs before symptoms appear.
3. Thyroid Function
Thyroid disorders are more common in women—especially during perimenopause and menopause. A thyroid function test helps identify if fatigue, weight changes, or low mood are rooted in more than just hormones.
4. Bone Density & Vitamin D
After 40, your bone density naturally begins to decline, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. A DEXA scan (if appropriate) and a vitamin D test help you understand your risk and make informed decisions around calcium, strength training, and supplements.
5. Weight, Muscle & Gut Health
Weight gain around the middle is common in midlife but it’s not just about appearance. Visceral fat is linked to higher health risks. Body composition checks, strength-building plans, and support for gut health (including fibre and probiotic intake) are essential tools in your wellness kit.
Lifestyle Shifts That Make a Difference
Once you’ve got your results, the real magic is in how you respond. Small, consistent changes to your nutrition, movement, mindset, and self-care can lead to long-term gains.
Prioritise protein to protect muscle mass and stabilise blood sugar.
Lift weights or resistance train twice a week.
Manage stress with mindfulness, journaling, or therapy.
Support your sleep with healthy habits, a regular wind-down routine, and if needed, professional help.
Your Health, Your Power
Midlife doesn’t mean decline. It means opportunity, to get stronger, feel more energised, and understand your body like never before. Whether you’re noticing changes already or simply want to take control before symptoms start, a Midlife Health MOT is one of the best investments you can make in yourself.
Click here to find more information about our wellwoman checks