The Seven Witches of Menopause: The Scary Symptoms of Menopause
Written by Dr. Suzanne Tang
October 13th, 2025
October has always been a cherished month for me—especially because Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. The mornings and nights are cooler, and even in Southern California, where there are “no seasons,” the leaves begin to change just a bit. Halloween decorations and pumpkins adorn our neighborhood, and the festive spirit fills the air.
As some of you may know, I’m obsessed with The Nightmare Before Christmas—likely because it brings out the playful, imaginative kid in me.
The classic animated movie follows the magnetic and sensitive Jack Skellington, who runs Halloween Town and makes Halloween happen every year alongside his dedicated village of witches, ghouls, and monsters. But Jack no longer feels fulfilled. Having done the same thing year after year, he begins to question his purpose. Essentially, Jack is going through a midlife crisis—even in the afterlife!
During a reflective walk, he stumbles upon a portal to Christmas Town, where he finds newfound purpose, joy, and vitality. Convinced he can take over Christmas, he gives Santa Claus a “break” and takes charge. Of course, Jack’s well-intentioned plan turns into a hilarious disaster—but through it, he rediscovers his true self and purpose. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend it. You may find yourself obsessed, too!
From Midlife Crisis to Hormonal Chaos
Speaking of midlife crises and witches—entering menopause can feel like its own version of Halloween Town chaos. The decline in estrogen and progesterone, along with other hormones like DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and testosterone, can trigger a whirlwind of physical and emotional changes.
While hot flashes and night sweats are the most recognized symptoms, menopause can bring a host of unpredictable and disruptive experiences that last for years—often following 8–10 years of perimenopause.
So, in honor of my two favorite things—hormones and Halloween—let’s explore The Seven Witches of Menopause, those scary and unsettling symptoms that can haunt this chapter of life… and how to tame them naturally.
Bitchy Witch
As estrogen and progesterone decline, they affect serotonin and GABA—two neurotransmitters that help keep us calm and balanced. When these drop, irritability, anxiety, and depression can creep in.
✨ Supportive tips: Acupuncture, amino acid therapy (such as L-tryptophan and L-theanine), herbal medicine, and bio-identical hormone therapy can restore hormonal and neurotransmitter balance.
Bloated Witch
Hormonal changes can slow digestion and metabolism, leading to bloating, inflammation, and stubborn weight gain.
✨ Supportive tips: Assess gut health, support your microbiome, and focus on anti-inflammatory, hormone-supportive nutrition to minimize bloating and restore metabolic balance.
Forgetful Witch
Estrogen plays a key role in learning, memory, and executive function. When it declines, brain fog and forgetfulness can appear.
✨ Supportive tips: Meditation, acupuncture, hormone therapy, and brain-boosting nutrients—like ginkgo biloba, bacopa monnieri, phosphatidylserine, alpha-lipoic acid, and NAD+—can enhance memory and focus.
itchy Witch
Estrogen keeps the skin and mucous membranes moist and healthy. As estrogen declines, rashes, itchiness, vaginal dryness, discomfort, and even urinary tract infections can appear.
✨ Supportive tips: Estriol vaginal cream has been clinically shown to reduce dryness, irritation, pain with intercourse, and urinary frequency. Hydrate with plenty of water and include moisturizing foods like cucumbers, pears, watermelon, strawberries, zucchini, avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and wild fish.
Psycho Witch
Mood swings—from frustration and overwhelm to sadness and emptiness—can hijack peace and relationships.
✨ Supportive tips: Restoring hormonal balance and practicing daily mindfulness, meditation, and movement can help you feel calm, grounded, and centered again.
Sleepy Witch
As progesterone declines, sleep often suffers. Insomnia and restless nights can lead to fatigue, irritability, and increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, and even cognitive decline.
✨ Supportive tips: Focus on healthy sleep hygiene, consider progesterone therapy, and try natural sleep aids like magnesium glycinate and melatonin.
Sweaty Witch
Hot flashes and night sweats—those classic menopause symptoms—happen when hormones throw off your body’s thermostat. Stress, heat, alcohol, and sugar can make them worse.
✨ Supportive tips: Herbal therapies like rhubarb, lifestyle shifts, and hormone balancing can help reduce or even eliminate hot flashes and night sweats.
Transforming the Witches into Wisdom
The Seven Witches of Menopause may appear frightening, but this season of life can also be met with strength, empowerment, and inspiration. With the right support, you can transform these “witches” into ambassadors of calm, energy, focus, and vitality—helping you thrive through your next chapter.
Our team at Inspire Natural Wellness is passionate about guiding you through every phase of hormonal change, so you don’t just survive… you soar.
Yours in Wellness,
Dr. Suzanne Tang, ND, LAc & The Inspire Natural Wellness Team
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Recipe Corner
Halloween doesn’t have to be all about sugar — you can create a festive and nourishing snack board that’s both spooky and satisfying! This Halloween Snack Board combines color, texture, and a balance of fun treats with wholesome bites that everyone can enjoy. Grab all the ingredients you need and click the image below for very detailed instructions.
