Menopause and Perimenopause can hit a woman’s life like a ten-tonne juggernaut, the only way I can describe perimenopause is “PMS on steroids”. But with PMS you know where you’re at, at least if like me your cycle was classic 28 day regular as clockwork. Peri on the other hand is unpredictable and incredibly debilitating like a wild horse that you can’t tame, one minute your fine and the next you’re crying your eyes out over an advert on YouTube!
In this article I am going to share recommendations for managing this life stage so you can quit the struggle and return to yourself once again. After months of research, trial and error using products, taking supplements, following regimes I feel I have a solid foundational plan that is working for me. I am compelled to share this as I want to help as many women as possible to feel their best, so here goes!
What is Perimenopause
Perimenopause is a transitional phase in a woman’s life when sex hormones begin to slow down and fluctuate. The ovaries are beginning to slow down as a woman approaches menopause. Menopause is the cessation of a monthly menstrual cycle. The perimenopause stage can last up to ten years!
Symptoms of Perimenopause
There are many symptoms of perimenopause, and some are quite bizarre these include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Irregular periods / changes to periods
- Mood swings
- Sleep difficulties
- Brain fog
- Palpitations
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Skin issues
- Rosacea
- Tingling or electric shock sensations in extremities
- Bloating
- Digestive upset
*The list is not exhaustive!
Balancing hormones
Balanced hormones are critical for overall health; hormones are responsible for a multitude of bodily functions and without this balance many symptoms will be witnessed as I have detailed above.
There are many ways to balance the hormones. The medical model is to give synthetic hormones in the form of HRT, contraceptive pill, or via IUDs.
As a holistic therapist I choose to balance my hormones naturally via supplements, using specific minerals and herbal remedies and by using bioidentical hormones which are derived from natural plant compounds.
I also use many of the Kinesiology techniques that I have at my disposal for balancing hormones and body systems for myself and my clients.
Why I choose bioidentical hormones
GPs will generally prescribe HRT for perimenopause / menopause symptoms, I personally rejected this as I do not want to use any synthetic hormones. The synthetic hormones contained in HRT cannot be used as well as natural hormones. Our bodies are very wise and do not fully recognise these synthetic hormones so they are not 100% fit for purpose and they can cause a myriad of other problems. Instead, I choose to research bioidentical hormones and specifically progesterone.
Progesterone begins to significantly decline in perimenopause, but this decline can begin in a woman’s 30’s. With this knowledge and hindsight, I wish I had begun using bioidentical progesterone in my 30s. I would advise all 30 something woman to investigate this to identify if it might be right for them to begin earlier with this hormone.
Progesterone is the feel-good hormone, it lowers stress, enables sleep, enables digestion, we need it for our fertility to ensure we ovulate, to ensure pregnancy is possible. It is produced in the second half of our cycle which is why at this time we must nurture our body with wholesome nourishing foods, avoid stress and unnecessary strain.
Oestrogen also declines in perimenopause but not as quickly as progesterone. Oestrogen is a powerful hormone that will dominate progesterone and hence why many of the perimenopause symptoms kick off. We are both low in oestrogen and progesterone at this time, but oestrogen dominates so symptoms show up. Adding bioidentical progesterone will eventually balance oestrogen.
I will also add a quick note about stress and cortisol. Stress increases cortisol and cortisol also lowers progesterone hence we need to try and minimise and manage stress as much as possible during perimenopause. If everything was working as it should our adrenal glands take over the production of the sex hormones during menopause. Most woman’s adrenals are struggling as we have been subject to ongoing stress so they cannot perform this task effectively. Hence, we must support our adrenals also.
My regime
Through trial and error, I am now on a regime that is greatly helping minimise my symptoms. I feel (mostly) like my old self again which is a huge relief after experiencing quite debilitating symptoms for several months. I eat a very balanced, clean and healthy diet and use intermittent fasting which works well for me.
The following are my go-to products and practices that I feel have made a significant difference:
Progesterone USP bioidentical cream
As I have detailed above progesterone is needed in perimenopause as it has significantly declined at this stage of life. Restoring this with a trans-dermal cream can have a dramatic impact. Doing this one thing has absolutely transformed my perimenopause!
When you begin using the cream you may feel worse. This is because progesterone is wrestling with oestrogen to get oestrogen to back off! Once this happens however the state of calm is incredible. For me its like returning to myself on a good day!
It is essential that you get a USP bioidentical cream this means it is made in such a way that the compounds of the ingredients are bio available, essentially enabling the body to use the cream effectively.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that is useful for a variety of things including, protection from oxidative stress, skin health, eye health, immune support, hormone balance and anti-ageing. I started taking this to combat the symptoms of declining oestrogen and mainly for hot flushes, it works so well for this, and I can tell immediately if I miss a dose!
Vitamin D
This vital nutrient helps regulate calcium and phosphate in the body, supporting bone health, immune function, hormonal health, and mood.
Vitamin B complex
I take a good vitamin b complex to help my nervous system stay as balanced as possible, this is vital for the body at times where there is more stress.
Adrenal support
I am also supporting my adrenals with a blend that is targeted specifically for this, this includes, ginseng, tienchi root, liquorice, kelp and a few b vitamins.
Magnesium
This essential mineral is involved in over three hundred biochemical reactions in the body.
If you take nothing else take magnesium! I have seen clients experience miracles when they include this! Magnesium is great for many things including, sleep and relaxation, muscle and nerve function, regulation of blood sugar and insulin response, promotes heart health, supports normal blood pressure and heart rhythm, strengthens bones, can improve mood and ease anxiety and emotional upset.
L Theanine
This amino acid is great for the nervous system it promotes relaxation, calmness, and promotes restful sleep.
Minerals / Electrolytes
I take a blend of electrolytes daily to support my body system this includes Celtic Sea salt, potassium, boron and additional magnesium. Minerals are building blocks and enable our body to convert food and other substances into energy, there essential for supporting many body systems and functions.
Support detox pathways including the lymph
I support my detox pathways in a variety of ways but one thing I do daily is move my lymph by having a gentle walk and bounce on my rebounder.
Support the liver
The liver is very important as it is one of the major detox organs, it works hard to detox excess oestrogen safely out of the body so is important that this pathway is working well during perimenopause. I have done many liver cleanses over the years but at this time these feel too much for my body to handle so in researching alternatives I found the wonderful castor oil pack!
Using a castor oil pack placed over the liver overnight works to gently cleanse, detox and heal the liver. The pack I have covers most of the lower abdomen so helps the whole digestive tract too. I have found this along with the progesterone cream incredibly supportive for sleep also.
Contact me for more information.
If you are struggling and would like to book a session with me to figure out what you can do to support your body at this time, please get in touch. I use the therapies of Health Kinesiology, The Bowen Technique and Energy Healing to help my clients restore their health and well-being.
sessions are offered as stand alone or as part of the programmes and packages I offer. My programme Restore your Glow is designed specifically for woman, click on the links to find out more.
M: 07904 457 075, E: helen@complete-balance.co.uk www.complete-balance.co.uk