Supporting changing hormones naturally- an introduction to Perimenopause and Menopause.
The term perimenopause is a fairly recent one. It describes the symptoms in the 2-12 years before your periods stop, a natural and major transition in a woman’s life when the ovaries stop releasing an egg every month, beginning the journey out of fertility. It usually occurs gradually between the ages of 45-55 though changes can be felt from the late 30s.
The end of Menopause is the life phase that begins one year past your last period with the average age of menopause being 51 in the UK.
Menopause is a natural transition but it can be as difficult physically and emotionally as puberty or childbirth can be, though experience varies from woman to woman. The positive and radical alternative approach is to embrace menopause as a spiritual and physical rite of passage and trust that a positive metamorphosis is at work to take you through to the next stage of your life’s journey.
What is going on?
It is the changing levels of oestrogen and progesterone that cause symptoms as the body adapts. Did you know there are 34 official main symptoms of perimenopause and beyond and any symptoms if you have them are likely to be temporary? Some may be subtle but others may be more distressing and may negatively affect life, family and work. An extreme example is having a hot flush every 10 minutes- which can be debilitating, or experiencing palpitations when trying to fall asleep, causing anxiety and insomnia. Suffering from sore joints when exercising is limiting and brain fog at work may feel embarrassing.
Well known hot flushes and night sweats are experienced by up to 80% of women during perimenopause and menopause though any of the symptoms below may be experienced as early as the late 30s or increasingly younger nowadays with early onset menopause.
Symptom checklist
The hormones oestrogen and progesterone affect our nervous system (psychological symptoms and mental well-being, sleep), our immune system, skin and joints, temperature control, cardiovascular system, and energy levels. See how far-reaching these hormonal changes affect the body with possible symptoms here:
Aches and pains. Anxiety/tension. Digestive problems. Breast tenderness. Dry/itchy skin/brittle nails. Burning mouth. Coarse/dry hair/hair loss. Cravings and insulin sensitivity. Facial hair. Fatigue. Foggy brain. Heavier bleeds, shorter cycles. Heightened emotions. Hot flushes/night sweats. Increased allergies. Insomnia. irregular cycles. Lack of libido. Low mood/low motivation. Migraines/headaches. Mood swings/rage. Muscle and joint weakness. Nausea. Palpitations. Rashes. Tingling extremities. Vaginal pain/dryness. Weight gain-especially around the middle.
I see many of these symptoms in my practice but especially anxiety, low confidence, sleep issues, fatigue, hot flushes and night sweats, UTIs, joint pains, mood swings and feelings of overwhelm. With the confusion around whether to take HRT or not and some women being incorrectly prescribed anti-depressants, perimenopause can be an emotional, physical and mental challenge so it’s unsurprising that life can feel stressful at this time.
How can homeopathy help
Some women want to take HRT, some are unable to and some want to use a natural approach. My approach is to work alongside whatever your current choices are using gentle and powerful remedies.
Does this sound like you: Are you struggling at work? Is your energy on the floor? Are night sweats preventing sleep? Are you anxious about driving? Are your periods extra heavy or too long? Are you indifferent to your partner or children? Have you visited A&E with palpitations and were given the all-clear? Are you having recurrent UTIs?
Thankfully a course of homeopathic treatment can help with the above and naturally support you through this time of transition. You may have heard of the homeopathic remedies Sepia or Pulsatilla which have an affinity with the female reproductive system but there are other effective remedies for this stage of life. I prescribe specific endocrine organ remedies and individualised remedies to relieve your symptoms and restore health. When we work together I will help you make sense of what you are experiencing as you enter perimenopause/menopause finding remedies that work individually for you which is why in-depth consultations last 60-90 minutes. Alongside homeopathy, I give dietary and lifestyle advice to help ease you through this transition and help you find your wise power to make this a positive time of change.
If you would like to have better sleep, feel calmer, have more energy and feel healthier and want to talk about how to manage your menopausal symptoms then contact me here: https://janebencehomeopathy.co.uk/free-introductory-call/. I offer a free introductory call where you can tell me what’s happening with you and ask me any questions. I look forward to hearing from you.
You can find me at The Practice Rooms, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3ED, face to face or online, Monday – Wednesday. https://thepracticerooms.co.uk/room-rental/centres/bristol-westbury-on-trym
