PERIMENOPAUSE / MENOPAUSE / POSTMENOPAUSE
Hear founder/owner Ginger Ravencroft speak about HORMONE BALANCE.
Okay ladies, now we will break down all the lovely stages of Perimenopause and Menopause, and then share how incorporating some of the magical plant essences provided by Nature can help with all of these experiences!
PERIMENOPAUSE / MENOPAUSE / POSTMENOPAUSE
Just as we must learn to embrace, and even be grateful for and honor our Menstrual Cycle during our adolescent and reproductive years, it is equally necessary to do likewise during the latter stages of life as we enter the phases of Perimenopause, Menopause, and Postmenopause. One thing that must be addressed first and foremost, is the stigma and fear (and overmedication) associated with entering this season of life which is held by most of the Western world, because it is utterly shameful.
Shameful for how this season is viewed, but certainly not shameful for every single female who will ultimately go through this stage if she is blessed enough to have a long and beautiful life! There is no reason for any woman to align herself with the perceptions and practices held within the views of Western medicine, which focus primarily on the biological and hormonal changes, simply marking the end of fertility. It would serve each of us bountifully rather, to recapture the enriching and empowering essence of what in reality should be a time of deep self-discovery and spiritual renewal.
Just as entering “womanhood” is, and should be, celebrated - likewise, entering the season of Menopause should be honored and celebrated! For example, in Japan, the word for menopause is “Konenki”, which translates as ‘Years of Renewal, Regeneration & Energy or Life Force’.
Did you know that only 25% of Japanese women ever even experience hot flashes (compared to 75% of Western women)? They didn’t even have a word for it until recent years! Likewise, in traditional Chinese society, the aging woman is celebrated and menopause is referred to as the “Second Spring”; the season where she is freed to embrace the accumulated wisdom and life experience she has gained, focus on nurturing her inner self, and fully realize her potential. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the cessation of menstruation allows the body's vital energies, like "qi" and blood, to nourish the heart and spirit, opening a path to enhanced creativity, courage, and clarity. As with ‘Konenki’, the metaphor ‘Second Spring” also implies a rebirth, suggesting that during this season a woman can bloom anew. So as we continue to learn about the biology and hormonal changes that occur during this season, let us keep in the forefront of our minds and our hearts, that this season can be and should be something to look forward to and embrace.
Perimenopause
Similar to the necessary discussions about “becoming a woman”, which most likely accompanied the nearing of our adolescence, there will certainly be many well-meaning (and sometimes very wise) advice givers and “uh-oh, here ya go” ers that come out of the woodwork to discuss “the special change”, as we reach our 40’s.
Perimenopause is the season of life during which a woman’s body transitions from her reproductive years into menopause (the complete cessation of menstruation) and the ovaries gradually stop working. Generally occurring in the mid to late 40’s (however it may begin as early as the 30’s and as late as the 50’s), it is during this time the ovaries begin to produce fluctuating and varying amounts of hormones.
This phase tends to last on average around four years, although some women may only experience several months, while others may go through up to ten years of transitioning through to menopause.
What is occurring and what hormonal factors:
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Fluctuating Levels of Estrogen: The onset of perimenopause occurs when the ovaries begin gradually producing less estrogen - but not in a consistent manner. Crucial for regulating various bodily functions such as the menstrual cycle, bone density, and mood, these fluctuations generally disrupt the regular timing and flow of your cycle. Periods may be shorter or longer, as well as heavier or lighter.
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Decrease in Ovulation Frequency: During this phase, the release of an egg does not always occur during the menstrual cycle - as the frequency of ovulation declines, so do progesterone levels. Responsible for stabilizing the uterine lining, as progesterone levels drop, heavier periods and spotting between cycles may occur.
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Testosterone Levels Decrease: Although usually associated with men, women also produce low levels of testosterone, which affects muscle mass, mood, and sex drive. As these levels decline, it may lead to an increase in body fat due to a loss in muscle mass, increased fatigue, and a reduction in sexual desire.
Most women can expect to go through four stages during this time:
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Very Early Perimenopause - Although your cycle remains consistent, you may experience some subtle changes, such as increased anxiety, mood changes, PMS symptoms worsening, alcohol intolerance, heavier periods, difficulty losing weight, loss of self-confidence, and cycles may begin to vary slightly by a day or two.
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Early Perimenopause - During this stage, estrogen levels are beginning to fluctuate, but are not necessarily low. Levels can spike up to four times higher than before perimenopause began, and progesterone, which would normally counterbalance this effect, is comparatively low. As a result of excess estrogen and low progesterone, many women may experience symptoms such as heavy periods, breast pain, migraines, new allergies or food intolerances, irritability, weight gain, and fatigue.
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Perimenopause Transition - This is the stage when many women begin suffering from what may be referred to as the ‘classic’ symptoms of menopause such as a noticeable decrease in menstrual length and occurrences, hot flashes, mood swings, difficulty sleeping, vaginal dryness & atrophy, brain fog, new aches & pains, and once again, fatigue and weight gain.
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Late Perimenopause - At this stage, your period has primarily ceased for the most part, but you might have random bleeding. You are most likely keeping track and wondering which one was your last one! Symptoms should have subsided, although some women may experience random hot flashes. Once you have not had your period for an entire year, you have officially entered into Menopause! Congratulations!! (If you are still experiencing symptoms such as hot flashes or night sweats at this stage, it is advised that you speak with your doctor, as your hormones may not have settled properly).
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Menopause - Menopause is a word that encompasses all of the above stages and possible experiences, but by definition occurs and ends when menstruation has ceased for twelve consecutive months. At this point, you have moved into Post Menopause and should throw a party!!
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EMBRACING ALL DIVINE FEMININE SEASONS OF LIFE
Author: Lisa DeChavan