Learn how to get through a rough menopause (from a naturopathic perspective)
My friend Elle (age 48) texted me this morning, “I think I’m peri-menopausal. I’ve had five hot flashes since going to bed last night. I can’t meet up- I feel worse than ever.” Arg- the hormonal roller coaster of menopause. Elle and I have known one another a lifetime. I had finally convinced her to join me for a sauna sweat session, but of course, that’s off!
Reading the peri-menopausal signs
“Peri-menopause” is that sacred time when the hormonal production in a female’s body diminishes to the point that periods stop. A year after the periods end, a female is considered “menopausal.” These definitions are fluid. It is not uncommon for a period to return when a person's health is recovered and the stress systems are properly reset.
The Change of menopause brings a broad range of symptoms beyond hot flashes: teary mood swings, flushes, weight gain, headaches, and crazy making sleepless nights. There’s also urinary irritation, vaginal dryness, and sex drive changes. Naturopathic medicine is packed with solutions for preserving youthful vitality through the Change.
The challenge with Elle is that we’ve seen these oncoming signs for years. Starting in her thirties, anxiety and restless sleep have been her norm. She had difficulty conceiving children and in the more recent years she’s had flooding periods. With an overwhelming work life, Elle’s convinced that taking herbal supplements or making lifestyle changes are too much for her. She’s taking marijuana daily to relieve anxiety but barely gets relief.
Are you at risk for a rough menopause?
People who are at higher risk for difficult menopause have high stress response, irritability, uncontrolled anxiety, palpitations, difficulty with conception or pregnancy, and difficulty getting adequate exercise and nutrition. I have a special place in my heart for teaching people ways to improve these challenges. With proper preparation, the Change comes more naturally and smoothly. If those symptoms are already plaguing you, schedule with me and we’ll start you on the road to recovery.
15 years of supporting people through hormonal changes
It’s the crazy-making hot flashes that bring people to my clinic. Often, they’ve been having other symptoms for years. But, they’ve blown them off: the anxiety is “just how I am,” or the sleeplessness is because they’re “over thinking” or “stressed,” and the sex drive or function issues are because they’re “getting old” or “maybe I was never into it anyway.” I say to all of that - We can get you relief from those symptoms of hormonal imbalance!
The menstrual blood flow changes can happen as early as in the thirties. Periods become less predictable in their timing and the flow of blood can become more- like an open faucet- or less like a desert river in summertime. Even in the thirties, sleep issues and mood swings can be a sign of hormonal imbalances caused by deficiencies or detoxification issues.
How to prepare for menopause
Blood hormone testing can be done to assess menopausal status. This testing needs to be done carefully and at certain times of a persons’ cycle. I have seen this testing done incorrectly by providers and people are given the wrong information on their fertility status or their hormone needs. I am happy to support you in getting proper testing.
The first step to treatment is always supporting the stress response- which can be done in a variety of ways. Then, the question is whether hormone replacement or herbal hormone balancing are the right fit. Bio-identical hormone replacement (HRT) can be an excellent option for supporting people through an easier menopause. But many folks want to avoid the expense or dosing of HRT. This is when learning lifestyle support techniques comes into play! The best research for treating menopausal symptoms is in exercise. Compared to most other interventions, exercise considerably improves hot flashing severity and frequency. But often we need guidance for deeper healing.
Get the support you need
The most important thing for someone experiencing menopausal symptoms is to know they are not alone and there is help. We all go through hormonal transitions in life, some more than others. We have many ways to support one another- the first is through authentic care. To feel truly cared for, someone needs to feel that their uniqueness and experience is listened to and considered before a solution can be determined. Our medical system is not built for empathy and individuality, but thankfully, naturopathic medicine is here to build the bridge between real people and real healing.
Males also go through the change. I give the same guidance to men- reach out! Talk to each other about the changes- mood fluctuations, weight gain, libido issues, restless sleep, and irritability. The naturopathic hormonal balancing approach is useful for all people struggling with the challenges of aging.
The Change is rarely easy- but it is much more doable with support. I encourage you to reach out and share your story of menopause with the people in your life. Breaking the silence around our natural life cycles will make it less scary to face it on our own!
So, I’m staying close to Elle. And even though I know exercise and herbs would help her feel so much better, she’s not up for lifestyle changes. I just texted her back to offer to teach her about HRT. We each have our unique way through the Change. Together.
Schedule an appointment with me today if you would like support in maintaining healthy hormones.