Many women felt nervous about menopause, because they didn’t know anything about it, while many other women felt frustrated that their body was changing with no understanding or reasonable explanation.

This knowledge gap and silence about what the Japanese call konenki, which translates to the season of the renewal of energy and life, has led women to a level of disempowerment and frustration over their health and bodies. For this reason, it has been found that they are less likely to seek health advice and appropriate health care, and instead remain in silence about their experience.

Perimenopause is a process which commences about two to 12 years before menstruation stops. It is the transition into menopause which is the life phase that commences one year after the final period.

By late thirties or early forties, changes may start occurring in the body or in life. Whether there is an experience of symptoms or not, the sequence of hormonal changes commence to reorganise the brain and nervous system, the cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, metabolic function as well as the immune system.

This may show up as a series of symptoms whilst this process occurs, such as sleep disturbances, changes in mood, body aches and pains, heart palpitations, hot flashes, or autoimmune disturbances.

It’s no wonder perimenopause is considered such a crucial period in women’s health.

The good news is, a lot of these symptoms are temporary, as it is a transitional stage. Studies have shown that the majority of women no longer experience symptoms once officially entering menopause.

To ensure a smooth and gradual experience upon entering the new season of renewed energy and spirit, empowering yourself with knowledge can assist in preparing appropriately and to embrace the internal wisdom of your body.

Helpful considerations include:

Minimising stress

Chronic stress throughout life can deplete your adrenal glands and can be exacerbated by stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and diets high in sugar. Stress reduction and nourishing the adrenal glands with a healthier diet and lifestyle, can minimise symptoms.

Taking care of your liver

One of the roles of the liver is to regulate hormones. If liver function is not optimal, the ability to process and regulate hormones will be compromised which may result in a greater likelihood of symptoms. A healthy diet and herbal liver tonic can assist with this.

Exercise

Exercise has been shown to be beneficial in supporting weight loss, reducing insulin levels, and modulating hormonal balance. Exercise that challenges your breathing a little and produces sweat has been most beneficial in reducing symptoms such as hot flashes.

Avoiding plastics

Plastic containers and drink bottles contain chemicals called xeno-oestrogens and they can leach into your food and water, which the body needs to work extremely hard at detoxing. They can disrupt your hormones as they mimic oestrogen in the body, producing an additional load of the hormone that can create a variety of symptoms as well as other health risks.

There are many natural and risk-free options and support available to women to address and alleviate common symptoms using complementary medicine to facilitate smooth passage and establish a healthy and vital state of being to carry through the lifespan.

Qualified natural health practitioners in nutritional medicine, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and massage therapies have evidence of beneficial outcomes in supporting perimenopause and any accompanied symptoms.

Although common beliefs have taught us to approach menopause with dread and trepidation, the season of konenki heralds a new beginning of life, accompanied by heightened feelings of creativity, vitality, and inspiration. It is a time for women to nurture themselves, care less about what others think and embrace their personal dreams and aspirations.

Appropriate health care and support designed specifically for you, can assist in alleviating the symptoms, and allow you to get on with enjoying the time of renewed freedom and empowerment.

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References

AMS (2017, April 1). Menopause: What are the symptoms? Australasian Menopause Society. Retrieved February 18, 2023, from https://www.menopause.org.au/

Briden, L. (2021). Hormorne Repair Manual: Every woman's guide to healthy hormones after 40. Pan Macmillan Australia.

Harper, J. C., Phillips, S., Biswakarma, R., Yasmin, E., Saridogan, E., Radhakrishnan, S., C Davies, M., & Talaulikar, V. (2022). An online survey of perimenopausal women to determine their attitudes and knowledge of the menopause. Women's health (London, England), 18, 17455057221106890. https://doi.org/10.1177/17455057221106890

Northrup, C., Dr (2023, January 1). Is this your Menopause transition? Dr Christine Northrup. Retrieved February 18, 2023, from https://www.drnorthrup.com/

Romm , A. (2021). Hormone Intelligence (1st ed.). Harper Collins Publishers.

Romm, A., Dr (2023, January 1). Menopause. Aviva Romm. Retrieved February 18, 2023, from https://avivaromm.com/