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Peri-menopause & Menopause
DR. Veronique Theriault
Naturopathic Doctor
Part of the joy of being a woman is that we get to go through hormonal changes not only at puberty but also in midlife. BUT it doesn’t have to feel like you are going crazy like your hormones are controlling you. By using natural treatments, herbal remedies and a holistic personalized approach, we can get you feeling like yourself again. You may be used to taking care of other people but when you go through peri-menopause, it is time to start taking care of yourself.
– Dr. Veronique Theriault, ND
Perimenopause is a normal part of the aging process in women. It is the slow transition into menopause when your ovaries gradually make less estrogen which affects ovulation and progesterone levels. It usually started in women’s 40s but can also start in our 30’s. This transition to menopause lasts on average 4 years but can last 10+ years in some women.
Menopause officially starts when women haven’t had a menstrual period for 12 months. Symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes, usually ease but some can linger and health related risks to the loss of estrogen increase as you age. Like perimenopause, symptoms last about 4 years on average but can last 10+ years in some women.
Peri-menopausal & Menopausal Symptoms
Symptoms of this hormonal change varies between people. Some people wrestle with any combination of mood symptoms, unpredictable periods, heavy bleeding during periods, cramping, or unexplainable weight gain and can be a cluster of extremely frustrating symptoms that can leave you feeling tired, irritable and a bit like you’re losing your mind as the brain fog sets in. (You aren’t though, I promise.)
- Weight gain – no matter how much diet or exercise
- Cravings
- Thinning skin and hair
- Racing heart and thoughts
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Low libido
- Low mood and lack of motivation
- Mood swings and irritability
- Irregular periods
- Weight gain
- Painful sex and vaginal dryness
- Dry skin and eyes
- Headaches, migraines and brain fog
- Decreased pelvic floor strength
- Urinary tract infections
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Joint pain
- Acne
What Causes Peri-Menopause / Menopause?
As we age, our ovaries stop ovulating regularly, and hormone levels start to decline. Because the ovaries don’t just flip off like a switch, their slowdown can come with a gradual onset of symptoms.
(Yes, you can still get pregnant during perimenopause, as you’re still ovulating but it can be difficult to to conceive.)
- Hormonal declines are inevitable but symptoms can be worsened by:
- Blood sugar dysregulation, diabetes and insulin resistance
- Stress
- Lack of sleep and/or poor sleep
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Thyroid issues like hypothyroidism
- Inflammation
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Premature ovarian failure
Peri-menopause & Menopause Support
Aging is inevitable but feeling crazy and hormonal isn’t. By using natural treatments and herbal remedies and a holistic personalized approach, we can get you relief and feeling like yourself again.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been shown to be a great add on treatment for peri-menopausal and menopausal symptoms. It is especially effective for hot flashes and improves quality of life.
Supplements
Common supplements that we use to support women through menopause are vitamins and minerals such as zinc and B Complex; botanicals such as Black Cohosh, and fish oil.
Nutrition
Improving nutrition can reduce peri-menopausal and menopausal symptoms by balancing hormones and blood sugar, providing nutrients & antioxidants, and by reducing inflammation.
Bio-identical HRT
Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) involves replacing estrogen and progesterone levels to more youthful levels and treat hormonal symptoms.
Thyroid replacement therapy can also be helpful for hot flashes and other peri-menopause and menopause symptoms.
Massage Therapy
Manual therapy like massage and craniosacral therapy can support your nervous system and improve hormone symptoms by reducing stress, creating a sense of empowerment and mind-body connection. It is best used as a complementary therapy as part of an integrative approach.
Lifestyle Changes
A healthy lifestyle is the foundation of health. Making sustainable changes to your lifestyle like increasing movement, improving sleep, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and stress management can make impactful changes to your peri-menopausal and menopausal symptoms.
Ever wanted to connect the dots between your hormones and why you’re feeling how you’re feeling?
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