Menopause, Perimenopause - all catchwords which seem to dominate the press and everyone is talking about. I have spent hours over the past 5 years reading, listening, watching, discussing the menopause and its associated problems with family and friends. HRT, do you or don’t you? Dr Louise Newson in the UK, is beyond doubt the font of all knowledge where HRT is concerned. For various reasons, I have been unable to go down this route, so decided that it was time to find a course which would give me some answers from a holistic/naturopathic point of view.
Having taken a short course on Vital Herbs to help the Menopause (thank you CNM) I wanted to share some of my findings with you.
PLEASE NOTE I am not a qualified herbalist, so you must speak to a professional in the pharmacy, bio shop, online provider and make an informed decision as to what you feel what benefit you most.
There are 3 stages Peri menopause, menopause and post menopause. I have heard it being described as puberty backwards with the rollercoaster of emotions affecting mood and both physical and mental changes.
Its hard to pin point when it starts - early 40’s, subtle changes often missed are things like your eyesight changes, you may feel low for no reason, realise you don’t feel the cold as much as you used to and changes in sleep patterns, many women suffer from anxiety and palpitations, brain fog, low energy, dry mouth, headaches, the list is endless. Periods become erratic and will eventually stop. This stage can last 1-10 years.
Menopause by definition is when you have had no period for 12 months. This stage and the associated symptoms average 5 years. This is the time when you have to look after your bones and heart/cardiovascular system. Oestrogen is a natural blood thinner so when levels drop, your blood can become thicker and platelets can clump. Libido can hit the floor with the drop in testosterone and the decline in progesterone (a natural anti depressant) can cause low mood and depression. Skin, both internal and external can dry out and cause problems.
Don’t forget your liver which is working overtime during this period to process and detox the hormonal changes taking place.
Post Menopause - This is 5 years post menopause, changes have stabilised and the start of the new settled, grounded and happier you!
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