By Sally Cross, Natural Change with Sally. Natural Health, Herbal, Life & menopause Coach. Qualified Master Herbalist, graduate of Herbal Medicine for Women and Peri to Post Menopause Transition Coach.
Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when menstruation ends and a new chapter in a woman’s life begins. Often portrayed as a negative time in her life, women who are better informed and prepared can take action and embrace the many positives it brings.
Peri-menopause is the transition from the fertile years to the wise woman years that comes with life experience. It is a process that evolves over a decade, in fact my own transition lasted 12 years. We can experience many hormonal changes and symptoms that make us aware that this change is happening. Common symptoms can be the onset of hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, depression, anxiety, loss of confidence, insomnia, headaches, migraines, irregular periods, lighter or heavier periods, urinary issues and fluctuations in libido and vaginal dryness. I certainly ticked all these boxes as I transitioned! This can be challenging to accept, experience and embrace. Other life changes and stresses may be happening at the same time, for example, children leaving home, own parents becoming less independent, financial concerns, friction in relationships, career issues, ageing and body image issues.
Through menopause the production of the protective effects of oestrogen decreases, which can increase our susceptibility to less than favourable health conditions eg. Cardiovascular issues, hip fractures, osteoporosis and dementia. Prevention is key with the importance of optimising our health to the best of our ability, strengthening our heart, mind, soul and body.
I think it important to note here that just as in pregnancy, menopause tends to be over-medicalised in our society, particularly with the use of antidepressants.
So what is actually going on in our bodies?
Peri menopause is a natural process and is marked by the reduction of the number of ovarian follicles and reduced ovarian function as we age, with consequent reduction in oestrogen and progesterone secretion.
When we are in the womb we already posses around a million ova that have the potential to develop, release and become fertilised. A process of natural selection, this number is reduced by half by the time we are born. On reaching puberty these ova begin to mature. Each month many follicles form, but usually just one egg becomes dominant, matures fully, and is then released, this process is ovulation. About 400 eggs will reach maturity in the course of a woman’s fertile life stage. This process is part of a complex feedback loop involving oestrogen, progesterone, and the hormones GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone), FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinising hormone). GnRH is produced in the hypothalamus and stimulates production and release of FSH and LH from the pituitary, signalled by the blood levels of oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones stimulate the ovarian follicles to develop (FSH) and release the dominant follicle at just the right time (LH) for optimal fertilisation.
When we reach our forties, we have 5,000 to 10,000 eggs left, these numbers reduce rapidly as the follicles become less responsive to FSH and LH. Decreased oestrogen production triggers the pituitary to increase secretion of FSH and LH confirming that menopause has begun.
When to expect Menopause
This is variable, but generally it is expected between 44-55 years of age. Earlier than this, menopause is noted as premature, if later it is known as delayed menopause. Premature ovarian failure (POF) and surgical menopause (oophorectomy) are medical reasons for early menopause. Having a hysterectomy sends us directly into menopause, unless the ovaries are left intact and are functioning. POF may be caused by autoimmune disorders, thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus and cancer therapies or it may simply occur spontaneously.
Post menopause sees many of the vasomotor symptoms of peri-menopause begin to reduce, though other symptoms such as vaginal atrophy and dryness, sexual dysfunction and urinary symptoms worsen, raising the susceptibility to Urinary Tract Infections and cystitis, along with the higher risks of cardiovascular and bone disease, changes in memory, brain fog, sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression are associated with menopause, though may be a result of ageing that occurs amongst both men and women.
How can a Master Herbalist help?
We are able to support you with advice on treating symptoms naturally with herbs, steer and guide you to embrace ageing and the natural changes happening in your bodies with accepted joyfulness. Embracing life, positivity, flow, movement, strength, empowerment, femininity and comfort in your own skin. Health on the inside, shines on the outside. Ageing is beautiful and we deserve to take time to care for ourselves with healthy organic foods, healthy lifestyles, stress management, quality sleep, enjoyable exercise, fun and laughter, nourishing body care, kindness to ourselves and embrace a more fulfilling life.
As herbalists we learn the herbs that support women in the many changes through their lives. From heart, hormones, mind and bone health to keeping your vagina soft and moist so that you can continue to enjoy sex for a lifetime!!
The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please always consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
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