Women and the moon have a lot in common. We are constantly going through different phases that can affect our light and how we shine in the world. One specific phase that often sneaks up on us is the perimenopausal phase. Perimenopause means ‘around menopause’, and it is the stage when our ovaries gradually stop releasing eggs. It is natural and largely part of the female experience, but it can come with its own discomforts and symptoms. There are ways to ease these discomforts and get through this phase while keeping your light clear.
Here are some signs from our body that let us know that we have entered this phase:
- Increased irregularity: Somewhere around your forties (or late thirties) you may start to experience changes in your menstrual pattern. This can look like skipping cycles, scanty bleeding, or very heavy periods, sometimes two weeks apart. This is quite often the first indicator of perimenopause. If irregular periods have always been the norm for you, it is best to keep a diary to track your timeline, physical and emotional feelings, and the amount of periods. Anything that seems more intense or unusual could be a sign.
- Heat up: Hot flashes during menopause are a story as old as time. You may also start experiencing them during perimenopause. They are caused by lower estrogen levels. Hot flashes feel like a sudden heat wave, usually in the upper body, causing a flushed face and deep discomfort. They normally last anywhere from a minute or two to fifteen minutes. They can also strike in the middle of the night, causing night sweats and restlessness. On the plus side, there are herbs that help cool the body and trigger foods that can be avoided.
- Decreased libido: As perimenopause approaches, you may notice a fluctuation in your sex drive. Some women also experience vaginal dryness, which makes sex uncomfortable. It’s normal to desire less as we become less fertile, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up pleasure altogether. It just takes some extra attention in that area to keep the spark going.
- Emotional barometer: Hormonal fluctuations can affect neurotransmitters and affect your mental state. It can be difficult to tell the difference between premenstrual mood swings and perimenopausal ups and downs. But if your emotional breakups aren’t followed by bleeding and become more constant, perimenopause could be the culprit. Support for the nervous system is extra important in this phase.
- Midnight mind marathons: As hormones begin to fluctuate, so do our sleep schedules. Hormone levels influence our body temperature, mood, stress levels and even our thought processes. This can cause sporadic sleep patterns and energy levels. Diet, physical activity and hormone balance supplements can promote restful nights.
There are many ways to keep a cool head during perimenopause. Here are some useful and holistic tools to facilitate your service:
Physical activity and nutrition: Keeping your body moving, whether that’s at the gym or just taking a walk around the neighborhood after dinner, can keep your mental state healthy and improve your mood. Diet also plays a key role in our hormone health. Non-organic and processed foods can cause hormonal imbalance and sluggish livers. Avoiding spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol can also help reduce hot flashes.
Herbal support: Herbs such as Vitex and Black Cohosh help support hormonal balance. Burdock is a great liver tonic that helps process excess hormones. Maca can support energy and sex drive. Cycle Changes is a formula that harmonizes hormones and helps relieve the discomfort associated with perimenopause and menopause. Hot Flash Tamer lives up to its name and can be taken daily to regulate hot flashes. You can combine it with Sleepy Nights and avoid waking up multiple times during the night.
Self-care and tuning in: Listening to your body and keeping a journal can help you understand what your body needs and when you are most likely to feel bad and need extra care and attention. Having an open dialogue with partners and loved ones can help them better understand what you are going through and how they can support you. Prioritizing a healthy diet, physical routine, and “me” time can make a big difference. Sometimes a break from the world and an overpriced bath bomb is just what a woman needs!
Rebecca Younger is passionate about herbs and women’s health. She strives to plant seeds of inspiration within her community about plant medicine and healthier ways of living. She studied herbal medicine at Herbalism Roots in Denver and is a certified Doula through the Matrona Foundation. She is the customer journey leader at WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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