Handling Perimenopause (Early Menopause)
Early menopause for women can bring challenging symptoms, but there are natural ways to ease the transition and support your well-being.
When Does Perimenopause Start and What Are the Symptoms?
Although perimenopause can start as early as mid-30s but more commonly it begins in the 40s. For some women, the first signs may appear in their early 30s, especially if there's a family history of early menopause or other health conditions, like autoimmune disorders.
On average, perimenopause lasts about 4-10 years before the official onset of menopause (when periods have stopped for 12 consecutive months).
Typical symptoms include:
- Irregular periods: Changes in menstrual cycle length or flow.
- Hot flashes: Sudden feelings of heat, often with sweating and flushing.
- Night sweats: Sweating that disrupts sleep.
- Mood swings: Increased irritability, anxiety, or depression.
- Sleep disturbances: Trouble falling or staying asleep.
- Vaginal dryness: Often leading to discomfort during intercourse.
- Decreased libido: Reduced interest in sexual activity.
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or low energy.
- Memory or concentration issues: Difficulty focusing or "brain fog."
- Weight gain: Especially around the abdomen.
- Breast tenderness: Changes in breast sensitivity or fullness.
These symptoms can vary in intensity and frequency throughout perimenopause.
Factors that Can Lead to Early Perimenopause:
- Genetics: A family history of early menopause can increase the likelihood.
- Smoking: Smoking has been linked to an earlier onset of menopause.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like thyroid disorders can trigger early perimenopause.
- Surgical Removal of Ovaries: This can bring on early menopause, which may be preceded by perimenopausal symptoms.
- Chemotherapy or Radiation: Cancer treatments may cause early ovarian failure.
Alternative Course of Action
Naturopathic and integrative functional medicine approach early menopause by focussing on and addressing the root causes of symptoms, supporting the body's natural healing processes, and promoting overall balance. These approaches consider hormonal, nutritional, and lifestyle factors to help women transition smoothly.
Here are some key strategies used:
- Hormonal Balancing with Bioidentical Hormones
In integrative functional medicine, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) uses hormones derived from plants that mimic those naturally produced in the body. A personalized approach to BHRT can help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings by restoring hormonal balance, particularly oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
- Nutritional Therapy and Functional Testing
Functional medicine practitioners often use advanced lab testing to assess hormone levels, nutrient deficiencies, and gut health. Based on the results we can create individualized plans for our clients which include foods that reduce inflammation and balance blood sugar, like whole grains, healthy fats (omega-3s from fish or flaxseed), and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Supplementing with vitamin D & K2, magnesium, omega-3s, and probiotics are further additional approaches.
- Adaptogenic Herbs
Naturopathic practitioners often incorporate adaptogens—herbs that help the body adapt to stress and hormonal changes. Herbs such as ashwagandha, rhodiola, and maca root are some herbs that support adrenal health and reduce symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and mood swings while also promoting hormonal balance.
- Detoxification and Liver Support
Our liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing the hormones, especially oestrogen. Holistic medicine also focusses on detoxifying the liver to ensure its efficient processes and eliminates excess hormones. Supporting liver health through detox protocols like milk thistle, dandelion root, and cruciferous vegetables can improve hormonal balance and reduce menopausal symptoms.
- Stress Management and Mind-Body Practices
Both naturopathic and functional medicine emphasize the role of chronic stress in early menopause. Long-term stress can dysregulate the adrenal glands, worsening symptoms. Mind-body techniques like meditation, breathwork, acupuncture, yoga, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), essential oils and guided visualization are powerful practices to reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and enhance sleep quality.
These and other naturopathic and functional medicine strategies such as homeopathy work together to create a personalized, holistic approach to managing early menopause. They can help women maintain long-term vitality.
It is nonetheless essential for every woman to know that there is no single solution for treating perimenopause or menopause symptoms. Each woman is unique and requires individualized care and assistance.
This is why taking a holistic health approach to preparing for the menopause can help women manage this natural transition more comfortably and effectively, by focussing on nurturing their whole being – mind, body, emotion and spirit.
If you’re experiencing early menopause and need professional support, go below to schedule a complementary call with me.
As a staunch advocate of Functional Wellness and Integrative Medicine, I have tirelessly worked in the field of Naturopathic Medicine and Humanistic Psychology in private-owned practice for over 38 years. During this period which spanned almost 4 decades, I have helped numerous individuals from all walks of life. Not only did they rediscover natural ways of regaining balanced health, but they also learnt to understand and integrate the basics of wholesome wellness into their life.
