The transition through perimenopause to menopause can be a time of great difficulty for many women. However, this needn't be the case. So much can be done to make for an easier experience and the Merina and other hormonal treatments (and their risks) are not your only options.
I'm excited by the emerging research around perimenopause and want to share some important new insights. Yes, each woman will have a different experience and different symptoms, though we all experience the same underlying hormonal and structural changes. Being kind and taking good care of ourselves through the perimenopausal years can have a big impact on our quality of life beyond menopause and I want to share the learning so that we can all have the best third age possible.
This is really a case of a stitch in time saves nine
Some of the facts
Perimenopause describes the 2-12 years before menopause.
It is usually the time of greatest symptoms.
Menopause begins 1 year after the last period and is usually calmer.
Women make 100x more progesterone than oestrogen each cycle.
Brain energy is reduced by 25% (thankfully, temporarily)
How do I know if it's perimenopause?
If you have new onset of at least 3 of these symptoms
heavier or longer bleed
shorter cycles ( less than 26 days)
new breast symptoms (lumpy, tender)
waking in the (middle of) night
night sweats, especially premenstrual
new or worsened period pain and /or PMS mood symptoms
new or increasing migraines
unexplained weight gain
Why you need to know about progesterone
Rapidly declining progesterone levels create an imbalance of oestrogen (actually too much) and causes most of the above symptoms. Encouraging optimal progesterone production for as long as possible and metabolising oestrogen efficiently can minimise your symptoms dramatically. Progesterone is natures great relaxer.
The basics of natural hormone balancing
find an effective stress management plan- get help with this if you need to
address insulin resistance/ metabolic syndrome/ belly fat
build your muscle mass- protects bone & brain
optimise nutrition- especially iron, iodine, magnesium and taurine
limit alcohol intake- it can increase relative oestrogen excess
cut back dairy- very important for heavy and painful periods
address your microbiome and gut health- related to too much oestrogen
Fortunately, most of the above can be taken care of with diet and lifestyle. If you need it, I can help you work out where to place your self care efforts and identify nutrient deficencies and metabolic issues.
My Lightbulb Moment
The significant changes happening in your brain at this time can impact on your cognitive function for the rest of your life. This is really a case of a stitch in time saves nine- brain metabolism changes drastically and it appears that how you 'do stress' and your 'relationship' with sugar and carbohydrates can influence your cognitive capacity beyond menopause into your old age. Personally, this new information was a fresh insight and really struck me - this is a big deal!
Where to from here?
Individualised advice is usually best, though, you might like to start by having a look at the basics, are you ticking any/all of those boxes?
If you're not sure of the best approach to take or you need help targeting specific symptoms (see below) consider a consultation and avoid unnecessary hassle.
maybe you have longstanding gut symptoms
undiagnosed thyroid issues
metabolic inflexibility (just too good at storing energy as fat)
key nutrient deficiencies
irritabiltiy and extreme mood changes
sleep disturbance
Like to know more?
If you want to harness the power of your hormones, ease your transition to menopause, maintain your mental clarity and do more to ensure a healthier third stage of life
I am available on 0449569064 for any questions you might have.
Want to dive straight in? Use my online booking option HERE