Heading to menopause - the perimenopausal roller coaster
Menopause and the journey towards it can be an interesting time for a woman!
Who said that being a woman was easy? Definitely not a woman!
Menopause marks the one day in a woman’s life whereby her menstrual cycle comes to an end - she never has a period again.
Now, BEFORE this time, we can find the ageing process and its reproductive system changes can cause havoc on all systems of the body.
Read on…
The most striking of the changes in perimenopause is the irrational and irregular changes in estrogen. For many women this can cause unpleasant changes in mood, desire and libido, dryness throughout the body, musculoskeletal changes, cognitive and memory changes and heat symptoms.
If we look at this phase of life (like a reverse menarche), according to Chinese medicine theory, a woman’s reproductive cycle belongs to the WATER ELEMENT.
This relates to the KIDNEYS in Chinese medicine texts, and flows in somewhat of a seven year cycle.
The classical texts state that the decline of the kidney system/qi, along with other body systems which are influenced by the kidneys, demostrates the various changes we see in perimenopause.
The kidneys hold a major role in balancing mental functions, sexual and reproductive capacity, and regulating body temperature. For these reasons we can see all these areas come under immense pressure in perimenopausal/menopausal years.
Why is it different in the western world?
For traditional cultures, we see that there is a relatively low incidence of some of the factors observed in the western world. This could be attributed to more suitable exercise and work regimes, diet and cultural aspects related to menopause.
What helps perimenopausal symptoms?
The most common aspects I speak to patients about include
exercise and weight bearing/resistance training
herbal formulas to support symptoms eg. heat, dryness etc
fatigue and cognitive functioning
supplementation to support symptoms eg. creatine for bone density and muscle mass maintenance etc
sexual disinterest, vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy
memory and concentration concerns
insomnia and sleep difficulties
heat symptoms - hot flashes, dryness, night sweats, day sweats, unexplained sweating
weight gain, or inability to lose weight or shift it
emotional factors - mood, anxiousness, depressive feelings, fluctuating emotions, anger, frustration, irrational behaviours
Can I get away with not taking HRT or MHT?
HRT is the old term to describe the replacement of estrogen and/or progesterone. These days it’s referred to as Menopausal Hormone Therapy usually.
Some women can, of course. For many, this therapy will be contraindicated (not advised) by their healthcare professional. And for others, it’s a great support to the fluctuations in hormones and provides a good basis for longevity and reducing the risk of several factors later in life that affect quality of life.
Why would I try Chinese medicine and acupuncture?
Chinese herbal medicine provides an excellent option for a woman with unique needs during perimenopause and menopause. Diagnosis of the best formulation for each woman is the most important aspect though, considering each woman has varied symptoms, and sometimes different symptoms at different times.
Many studies into the use of herbal combinations have shows supporting the various systems of the body to function normally is possble. Especially in areas of moistness - vaginal dryness can be supported through a number of supplements and herbal formulas. This is done by balancing out the YIN energy and enhancing blood production, yin production and nourishing the relevant organs to support this. Alongside this, it is vital to nourish the KIDNEY QI, KIDNEY YIN, KIDNEY YANG and KIDNEY JING to support a woman through menopause. Herbal formulas are often targeted towards this, and which formula is best for you is dependent on diagnosis in clinic. These are usually medium to long term supplements (just like you would do with estrogen therapy), so feel assured that you and your practitioner are in it for the long haul…
Chinese medicine practitioner who focuses on perimenopause will be set up to discuss all the possibilities for your journey.
Dr. Rebecca Brook (BHSc Acu, PGCert Sexology) has studies at a postgraduate level and focused her studies on aspects of menopause, including GSM (genitourinary syndrome of menopause) and also orgasmic disorders in women.
Booking a consult with her is easy via our booking system on the HOME page. Click the link and see you soon in clinic!