Introduction
Conversations about women's hormonal health may have improved over the last decade but we still have a long way to go. As Generation X enter the phase of life called peri-menopause and menopause many women find themselves experiencing a host of symptoms they had no idea were related to this thing called peri-menopause.
If the perimenopause has caught you off guard you're not alone. Peri-menopause, the precursor to menopause, brings with it a slew of changes that can leave you scratching your head and feeling as though you don’t recognise yourself.
Fear not! In this blog post, I’ll unravel six things that might surprise you about peri-menopause, and I’ll also explore what to some might be a surprising ally – reflexology – in managing those unwanted symptoms.
Peri-Menopause: The Sneaky Prelude
So, you've heard about menopause, but what about its lesser-known sibling, peri-menopause? Peri-menopause is like the overture to the grand symphony of menopause it can be marked by irregular periods, mood swings, and other symptoms. It usually begins in the mid-40s, but hey, your body might decide to throw a curveball and start the party earlier or fashionably late.
Many of my clients have found themselves entering perimenopause in their mid to late 30s. Whilst these changes can catch you off guard and at times feel anything but normal it’s important to understand that these changes are your body preparing for an inevitable phase of life “menopause”.
Unfortunately due to a lack of conversation and education around peri-menopause many women find themselves misdiagnosed with such things as anxiety and fibromyalgia. This can leave women feeling ashamed about what is happening to them.
Instead, of classifying peri-menopause as a disease as they do in America and my opinion the UK is not far behind, let’s start having more conversations about per-menopause and menopause, after all, it is something that is going to happen around 52% of the population and in my opinion knowledge is a powerful tool.
Hormones Gone Wild
Peri-menopause can be likened to a hormonal dance party, with estrogen and progesterone being the star dancers. However, during this phase, shake things up, leading to erratic levels. Imagine trying to follow a choreography when the music keeps changing – that's what your body is going through.
The hormonal fluctuations can contribute to mood swings, crippling anxiety, hot flashes, a feeling as though something is crawling under your skin and sleep disturbances. It's a little like your body is hosting its own hormonal carnival!
It’s also worth noting that if you enter peri-menopause struggling with conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome peri-menopausal symptoms are very similar and it can be difficult to tell them apart.
Brain fog that takes you by surprise
Ever walked into a room and forgotten why you went in there? Welcome to the world of brain fog, a common companion during peri-menopause. It's not just about forgetting where you put your keys; it can affect concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function. The hormonal changes play havoc on your brain's neurotransmitters, leaving you feeling forgetful and searching for a word.
Reflexology and following a diet that balances blood sugar can help manage this transition. The good news is that for most women the brain fog clears after menopause as hormones settle.
Sudden unexpected weight gain
Suddenly finding it challenging to zip up those favourite jeans? “The weight gain felt as though it happened almost overnight”.
In my reflexology clinic, I hear this phrase over and over again and I get it because I experienced it myself. As estrogen, progesterone, and even testosterone decline during menopause, your body gears up for storing weight leading to an increased tendency to store fat, especially around the abdomen.
Firstly it is important to be kind towards yourself and recognise why this is happening, ignore fad diets and starvation protocols to try and lose weight instead try balancing your hormones and keep your blood sugar levels steady.
Embracing Emotional Rollercoasters
Perhaps the biggest shock for me as I entered peri-menopause was the crippling anxiety that seemed to appear out of nowhere. It wasn’t until I spoke to other women about this that I realised this was in fact a common occurrence. Just knowing I wasn’t alone in this feeling made a huge difference in my experience of menopause.
Once I realized I was in fact peri-menopausal I was able to take steps to balance my hormones reflexology was a big part of my self-care routine.
Remember those days when you could easily clock in eight hours of uninterrupted sleep? Well, peri-menopause might have other plans for your nights. Hormonal imbalances can disrupt your sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or restless nights. Combine that with hot flashes, and you've got a recipe for sleepless nights and groggy mornings.
Reflexology: A holistic approach to balancing hormones and managing peri-menopause.
Now that we've shed light on some of the aspects of peri-menopause, let's explore how reflexology can help you manage these symptoms.
Reflexology is a practice that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, to stimulate corresponding organs and systems of the body.
Hormone Harmony
Reflexology can work wonders in promoting hormonal balance. By targeting specific reflex points associated with the endocrine system, reflexologists aim to stimulate the release of hormones and encourage the body to find its equilibrium. This can help mitigate the hormonal rollercoaster that often accompanies peri-menopause, offering relief from mood swings and emotional turbulence.
Stress-Busting Bliss
Stress during peri-menopause can create a vicious cycle that exacerbates symptoms. Reflexology helps the body's nervous system move from a sympathetic state fight or flight to a parasympathetic state, rest and digest. The calming effect can help balance all the systems of the body.
Brain Fog
If brain fog has you feeling like you're lost in a mental fog, reflexology might be your compass. By targeting reflex points associated with cognitive function and mental clarity, reflexologists aim to enhance blood flow to the brain and improve neural communication. This can potentially alleviate the symptoms of brain fog and support mental sharpness.
Weight Wellness
While reflexology isn't a magic solution for weight management, it can complement a healthy lifestyle by promoting overall well-being. Reflexology sessions may help reduce stress, improve digestion, and enhance metabolism, contributing to a holistic approach to weight wellness during peri-menopause.
Emotional Resilience
Reflexology's holistic approach extends to emotional well-being. By targeting reflex points linked to the nervous system and emotional centres, reflexologists aim to promote emotional resilience and balance. Regular sessions may help you navigate the emotional rollercoaster of peri-menopause with greater ease.
Sweet Dreams
Sleep disturbances can be a major challenge during peri-menopause, but reflexology offers a soothing remedy. By focusing on reflex points associated with relaxation and the sleep-wake cycle, reflexologists aim to induce a state of deep relaxation, making it easier for you to drift off into a restful slumber.
Conclusion
Peri-menopause is a unique and transformative phase in a woman's life, and understanding its nuances can empower you to navigate it. Understanding just some of the aspects of peri-menopause and the potential benefits of regular reflexology can help you navigate this phase of your life.
Peri-menopause is not the beginning of the end but an opportunity to bring your health and wellness to the forefront. It’s a chance to radically let go of societal judgments you don’t have to be the crazy cat lady (unless you want to be of course). It just means you get to explore being exactly who you want to be.
Helen provides reflexology in central Norwich Helen Pinnock -Reflexology Norwich
Reflexology is a gentle and non-invasive treatment that offers your body and mind the opportunity to relax, restore and rejuvenate. By receiving regular treatments you are supporting your own wellbeing both physically and emotionally.
Comments