I Don’t Feel Myself. Is It My Hormones?
Understanding Perimenopause, Menopause and How Naturopathy Can Really Help.
For many women, perimenopause and menopause represents a period of significant change. You may have spent your whole life feeling capable, focused and on top of most things, and now, suddenly you’re not feeling like “you” anymore. This phase can bring on a myriad of symptoms, and it can sometimes seem distressing and confusing. As a Naturopath – my aim is to help you understand what is going on and then navigate these hormonal transitions naturally, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects. And, most importantly, help you feel like you again.
Here’s what you need to know about what happens during perimenopause and menopause, what you may experience, and how naturopathy can help you manage these changes holistically.
What is Perimenopause and Menopause?
Perimenopause is when “changes” in your cycle start to occur. It usually begins around 45, but can sometimes start mid 30’s. Symptoms can occur over a few years and in some cases, can occur for over a decade or more.
Menopause is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a period. Although, I note that for a small number of women I have worked with, their period has returned once we worked holistically to bring the whole body back into a state of balance.
The average age for menopause is about 51.
During the transition phase of perimenopause, hormone levels can fluctuate significantly. Estrogen and progesterone levels drop, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) decreases and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels rise. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is also involved in this hormonal chain reaction. Certain conditions such as a hysterectomy, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment can bring on early menopause by affecting ovarian function, causing an abrupt hormonal shift. This may present another set of challenges such as increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease as well as metabolic changes. A Naturopath can support you during this time to help you best adjust to the new hormonal profile.
What does perimenopause feel like ?
The symptoms of perimenopause and menopause are as varied as women themselves, however, some of the common symptoms include –
- Brain Fog and Cognitive Changes: You might notice that your memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be. Tasks that once felt straightforward may now feel challenging. Some women mention to me they don’t feel as effective at work and worry about their ability to perform.
- Mood Swings: Fluctuating hormones can cause mood swings. Some women find themselves feeling more fearful, anxious, teary and / or irritable than usual, sometimes with no clear trigger. This can impact relationships and self-esteem.
- Unexplained Weight Gain: Many women experience sudden and unmanageable weight gain especially around the middle. This can feel out of control as usual eating habits and exercise regimes no longer seem effective. This can be unsettling, especially when it feels that nothing you do is making a difference.
- Physical Symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, joint pain and sore feet and hair loss are often experienced. Other symptoms can include increased wrinkles, diminished libido, vaginal dryness, bladder issues, frequent UTIs and a crawling or itchy sensation on the skin, which is often worse at night. Musculoskeletal changes, such as a higher risk of injuries or fractures, can also occur as collagen levels drop.
- Insomnia and sleep issues Problems falling asleep or staying asleep can become the norm. This in turn affects energy levels and mood as well as motivation and self-esteem.
However, not everyone will experience every symptom; many women find themselves dealing with only a few of these issues, but the overarching feeling is often a sense of, “I’m not myself” and “What on earth is going on? “
The Role of Support and Connection
Thankfully menopause is now more openly discussed than ever before, with many women sharing their experiences among friends and on social media. Having these conversations can be incredibly validating and supportive, providing a sense of community that our mothers and grandmothers never had. However, this shared understanding is only the start; it’s essential to have a personalised Treatment plan because every woman’s experience is different. What works for a friend is not always what will work, or is safe for you.
Traditional and Naturopathic Approaches
HRT – Hormone Replacement Therapy is a currently a common medical recommendation in Australia for menopausal symptoms. HRT works by supplementing declining hormone levels via the administration of synthetic or bio identical estrogen, progesterone and sometimes testosterone. HRT can be effective symptomatic relief for some women, but it does not always consider the whole picture. It is important to note that certain cautions and contraindication exist with HRT. So, always speak to your Doctor thoroughly and discuss your full health history as well as your family history before commencing HRT to ensure it is safe for you.
Every woman’s journey through menopause is unique. While HRT and natural approaches are often seen as opposing choices, they can coexist. What’s right for you is deeply personal and may involve a combination of options that evolves over time. Naturopathy’s holistic approach can make a difference not only in managing symptoms but also in supporting your well being and quality of life. For me, I see perimenopause as a time for a women to overview her whole health and lifestyle choices, providing an opportunity to re calibrate your health trajectory. Many women come to me during perimenopause seeing it as a “life milestone” where they want to take control of their health going forward and not leave it up to chance.
What to expect from a Naturopathic Approach to Perimenopause
Naturopathy treats the body as a complex, interconnected system, where hormones influence and respond to multiple body processes. Here’s how a naturopathic approach can make a difference:
- Supporting Gut Health: The gut and the reproductive organs occupy the same abdominal space, and optimal digestion is crucial for hormone metabolism. Inflammation within the digestive tract can influence the hormonal health and exacerbate hormonal fluid retention and weight gain. Supporting the gut also helps eliminate hormones efficiently, which can ease symptoms related to hormone fluctuations
- Balancing Adrenal and Nervous System: The adrenal glands play a significant role in managing stress and maintaining hormonal balance, especially during perimenopause. Effective herbal medicines like adaptogens can support adrenal function, helping to stabilize mood and reduce the “fight or flight” response that can heighten menopausal symptoms especially night sweats and mood swings. Elevated cortisol will also contribute to weight gain. A Naturopath may refer you for a DUTCH hormone test that can help better understand how cortisol and melatonin can be influencing hormonal symptoms.
- Natural Hormone Support from herbal medicine : There are various effective plant medicines such as chaste tree, hops, shatavari, maca and sage that can help balance to hormones. It’s always important to seek professional advice to ensure herbal medicine is right for you.
- Liver and Kidney Support: These organs are essential for filtering hormones and toxins out of the body. Ensuring liver and kidney filters are working well supports regulation of hormones by reducing the load on the system especially when hormones are fluctuating rapidly.
- Improving Sleep Quality: Naturopaths are trained in herbal and nutritional medicine and can customize sleep formulas to each person’s specific needs. This is essential because sleep issues in menopause vary widely. Some struggle with onset, while others wake up multiple times during the night. Personalised support helps manage this complex symptom more effectively.
- Nutritional Support for Skin, Bones, and Heart Health: As part of a Naturopathic treatment plan we may emphasize nutrients that support collagen production, bone density, and cardiovascular health, which are all affected by hormonal shifts. This can include essential fatty acids, iron, B vitamins, calcium, Vitamin D as well as specific vitamins and minerals necessary for hormonal balance and cellular energy production.
- Natural Anti-Inflammatory Support: Inflammation often intensifies during menopause, affecting everything from joints to skin texture and elasticity. Naturopathic treatment can include herbal medicine, high-quality fish oils, turmeric, and other natural anti inflammatories to help reduce inflammation and support joint and skin health.
- Motivation and Goal Support: I know as a Naturopath that collaboration is key. A big part of my approach in hormonal care is to support my clients to help them stay on track. Consistency and momentum are essential for effective results. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey; each woman’s needs and responses are unique, so ongoing guidance and support is vital.
- Managing Temperature Regulation: For some women, hot flashes and night sweats can be very disruptive. Specific herbs and lifestyle adjustments can help manage these symptoms and support temperature regulation.
The Power of Being Heard
As a naturopath, one of my main focuses is to listen deeply to each woman who seeks my help. It’s essential to understand not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional toll that perimenopause can bring. Hormonal changes can affect not just your health but how you relate to the world and others around you. This shift can feel unsettling, and a safe space to talk about these experiences is crucial.
A Truly Holistic Approach to Menopause
Every woman’s journey through perimenopause and menopause is different. While there’s often a perception that you have to choose between HRT and natural remedies, the two can complement each other. Naturopathy offers a truly holistic approach, addressing not only the hormonal changes but also the wider implications for your physical and emotional well-being and health trajectory going forward.
My goal is to help you feel empowered, informed, and supported through this phase, ensuring that your experience is positive and manageable. Hormonal changes don’t have to be frightening; with the right guidance, they can be an opportunity to focus on your health, reconnect with your body, and move forward with confidence into this new stage of life.
If you would like to speak to me about your hormonal concerns, please reach out. I look forward to hearing from you.