Everything You Need to Know About Perimenopause, Menopause and Post Menopause. Podcast Episode 29
What is the Menopause?
Menopause is a progression and starts with “perimenopause”. Perimenopause can start in your mid to late 30s, or early 40s.
Hormones begin to change their normal patterns.
Progesterone levels fall as women aren’t ovulating every month. This means you don’t make as much progesterone. So there’s more estrogen (or "oestrogen" if you're from the UK).
Estrogen stimulates growth. It stimulates growth of the uterine lining, of the breasts.
This can lead to flooding periods and painful breasts and weight gain.
“Menopause” is a day that marks a year after your last period.
Perimenopausal Symptoms
Common perimenopausal symptoms include new anxiety, new insomnia and weight gain. Fatigue, changes in periods.
Low Progesterone Causes Symptoms
Anxiety and insomnia can be attributed to low progesterone.
Rising and Falling Estrogen Levels
Erratic estrogen levels are responsible for flooding periods.
High Cortisol Levels Lead to Anxiety
In today’s society, we live with permanently raised cortisol levels due to chronic stress.
Stress is the Number One Contributor to Perimenopausal Symptoms
This is great news as we can reduce our stress levels!
Good Life Style Changes to Help With Perimenoupausal Symptoms
- A healthy diet. (Cut out sugar, flour. Thinking about gluten and dairy. Lots of fibre.)
- Reduce alcohol. Helps sleep and joint pain.
- Get a good night’s sleep. 8 hours!
- Relaxation and mindfulness.
After Menopause
Think about heart disease and bone health.
Supplements that Dr Anna Recommends (That You Don’t Need Testing For.)
- Magnesium helps with anxiety and poor sleep. Oral: magnesium glyconate (less likely to produce diarrhoea). You can also absorb magnesium through the skin (e.g. with epsom salts in your bath, or a lotion.)
- B Vitamins. Including activated forms of folic acid (folate).
- Fish oil
- Adaptogenic Herbs. Help regulate cortisol levels.
Supplements that Can Be Beneficial but You Should Get Checked Out Before Starting
Progesterone and estrogen creams.
What To Do when Your Doctor Won’t Listen To You
This is a difficult situation. It’s a good idea to have read up on the subject (read Dr Anna’s book!)
You may need to find someone else who will help you.
When Do You Need More Help?
When you feel like you’ve “tried everything” and nothing is working.
Go and Chat to Your Doctor If
You’re having very heavy periods (which may lead to anaemia. E.g. your hair is falling out and you’re constantly feeling tired.)
Bleeding post menopause.
Any symptoms that feel overwhelming.
Last Words of Wisdom
Perimenopause can last 5-10 years which is a long time to suffer!
Connect with Dr Anna Garrett
Check out her website: https://www.drannagarrett.com/
Buy her book: https://www.drannagarrett.com/perimenopause-book/
Download free chapter of her book: http://www.drannagarrett.com/taste-of-peri/
Author Bio
Dr Orlena is a health coach. She helps busy mums go from "I can't lose weight" to feeling fit and fabulous. Find out more about her here.
