Peri-Menopause is one of the most transformational, challenging and life-altering times in a woman’s life, a close second to having children – for those women that have children. While this article focuses mainly on Peri-Menopause, many aspects will closely resonate with Post-Menopausal women as well.
Peri-Menopause: It’s the bridge between the reproductive, fertile years and the years where child bearing is no longer physiologically possible or ideal. This transition period for women is often met with extreme swings of discomfort, unfamiliar and unwelcome changes, inconsistent and intermittent symptoms and an insecure lack of control. No woman wants to be feel this way!
So what’s happening during this time?
As the female body prepares for ceasing all possibilities of co-creating little humans, her reproductive sex steroid hormones – Estrogen, Progesterone & Testosterone begin to gradually dwindle typically over several years. This process can range anywhere from 4-5 years up to 10-12 years.
A woman is born with a certain number of eggs or follicles in her ovaries at birth. Over multiple decades, that supply gradually becomes more sparse.
From puberty on, a women’s monthly cycle consists several phases: Follicular, Mid Cycle or Ovulation, Luteal and Menstruation or sloughing off the uterine lining. During these reproductive or fertile years of potentially creating human life, a woman ovulates nearly every month (egg release) with either the chance of fertilization or in most cases, a menstrual bleed ensues.
Lack of ovulation can occur with a hormone induced birth control method or an adverse health condition – chronic stress, severe illness, low body weight (anorexia or excessive exercise) and many other conditions.
During the peri-menopausal years, as the egg/follicle supply is diminishing and hormone levels are dropping, ovulation becomes erratic, inconsistent and at some point non-existent. Certain hormones located near the base of the brain in the Pituitary Gland – FSH and LH – sense this change and start to rise to get the attention of the ovaries in an attempt to get them to “work harder” and produce more hormones. But they can’t. They’re not responding like they used to. The fertile window is closing.
This natural process creates a storm of unpredictability that can vary greatly from woman to woman.
Here’s a list of common physical symptoms that peri-menopausal women experience:
- Increased heat produced within the body: night sweats, hot flashes, sensitivity to heat
- Irregular menstrual cycle (16, 22, 35 day cycles, no cycle, etc)
- Inconsistent and diminishing ovulation
- Weight or fat gain, especially in the abdomen and breasts
- Gastrointestinal: constipation, bloating, IBS
- Reduced (or non-existent) sex drive
- PMS symptoms worsening days before your menstrual bleed
- Bleeding changes: heavy or lighter bleeding
- Increased chance of uterine fibroids
- Insomnia: sleep interruption, difficulty falling asleep
- Heart palpitations
- Increased insulin resistance and glucose elevation
- Skin dryness and less collagen
- Hair thinning
- Dry eyes and vision changes
- Muscle strength decline
Common emotional or psychological symptoms include:
- Fluctuating moods
- Depression
- Irritability, anger, impatience, anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Increased overwhelm and difficulty adapting to change
- Stress overreaction
- Brain fog
- Trouble with concentration and focus
- Short term memory decline
- More tearful
- Emotional sensitivity
- Lack of confidence
- Hopelessness
On more of a spiritual or transcendent level, peri menopausal (and post-menopausal) women are often undergoing massive life changes during this time, in addition to her own health and hormone transformation.
Children are growing up and moving away to attend college, seek out their own independence and relationships, marriages. Women might also be questioning her own life circumstances, choices, job or career choice and maybe changing that, her relationships, marriage or partnership, friendships, community organizations and religious and/or spiritual beliefs. Perhaps, there’s a move to another location that has a better vibe or resonance based on her/her family’s evolution. Aging parents with health conditions are requiring more attention, time and financial resources.
Many incompatible and/or dysfunctional relationships will end during this time, while more compatible, authentic relationships will take their place and strengthen over time. A strong sense of belonging, community and unconditional emotional support becomes essential during this period. Furthermore, there is a more inherent desire to connect with other women going through (or having gone through) peri and post menopause.
Most significantly, peri menopausal women are pursuing real answers to their health and symptoms. She is more interested in comprehensive, natural, least harmful and effective therapies. And she is fervently focused on being a relentless advocate for her own health care needs and desires, as well as for her family.
In essence, she is seeking a deeper meaning, purpose, fulfillment and joy in life.
All of this can feel like an enormous upheaval and an unplanned metamorphosis. If reframed and given a unique spin from a different lens, this process has the potential to gradually evolve into an extraordinary, beautiful journey of self-discovery and a healthier, happier, more self-aware you.
Are you (or someone you know) going through peri or post menopausal changes that are adversely affecting your body, your life, your job and your relationships? Perhaps, you are not quite sure what’s going on with your body. Maybe you have other long-standing health and/or hormone conditions that need addressing and treatment in a way that matches your preference.
A functional medicine or personalized medical approach to health care takes into consideration all of your body’s inter-communicating organ systems, various symptoms throughout your entire body, a deeper dive into possible root causes of illness, comprehensive functional lab testing and a synergy of therapies individualized for you.
Ready to get answers and the treatment you deserve?
Schedule a preliminary Discovery Call to discuss your symptoms, concerns and ask questions. I’ll review the details and substantial health benefits of my 6 Month Vital Transformation Program with you.
Book your FREE Discovery Call HERE.
Already had your Discovery Call with me and are ready to move forward with becoming a new patient? Please send an email to kristi@doctorkristi.com or call (916) 542-1820.
Let’s make 2022 your best, most healthiest year!
Dr. Kristi
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