‘Nothing is certain except death and taxes’ BUT if you are a woman with ovaries then you can add menopause to that list too.
Thankfully, research into and understanding of what women go through during ‘the change’ is increasing. But, readily available information and options surrounding support during both perimenopause and menopause still aren’t where they should be even though things are certainly moving in the right direction.
For example, many women are only given the option of HRT as a treatment from their GPs and countless more are simply trying to get through without seeking any outside support whatsoever.
Here at BTC, we offer holistic and complementary therapies that can support you with the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. However, as many people even the women experiencing them aren’t aware of the plethora of symptoms that this time can bring we’ll start there.
Symptoms of Peri-Menopause and Menopause
Many women experience a host of these symptoms, while others may experience far fewer. Symptoms can change over time so some symptoms may go away but be replaced by others.
Symptoms include but are not limited to:
Problems with heat regulation (vasomotor) such as hot flushes or night sweats.
Frequent urination, bladder weakness (leaks), more prone to cystitis.
Loss of energy.
Osteoporosis (porous bones) which causes bones to fracture more easily.
Cramps.
Sleep problems such as difficulty getting to sleep, waking frequently, not being able to get back to sleep and/or poor quality sleep.
Heaving bleeding (for those who are still having periods).
Constipation.
Memory issues, ‘brain fog’, lack of concentration and confusion.
Vaginal dryness, soreness, more prone to thrush.
Nervous tension and worry.
Joint stiffness and loss of mobility.
Quick to anger, increased irritability, mood swings.
Depression and low mood.
Tearful episodes.
Loss of interest in things you previously liked.
Loss of self-esteem and decreased confidence.
Heart Palpitations.
Weight gain.
Anxiety and panic attacks.
Eczema, dermatitis or dry and itchy skin.
Aches and pains (muscle and joint pain).
Changes in or lack of sex drive and arousal.
Dizziness.
Headaches.
Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears).
Dry mouth.
Sore eyes.
Sore gums.
Breathing difficulties, a feeling of tightness in the chest.
Thinning hair.
Things That Can Help You Menopause and Perimenopause Symptoms
Counselling
The psychological symptoms caused by the perimenopause and menopause can be alleviated through counselling. Simply talking freely about your experiences, your feelings, and the difficulties you are facing with an empathetic and compassionate counsellor in a safe space and complete confidence is empowering and can provide much relief.
Exercise
Keeping physically active with a mix of cardiovascular, strength, and stretching exercises can help with a variety of both mental and physical symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
Strength exercises, especially weight-bearing exercises help build muscle which can protect bones from the effects of one of the most serious but hidden symptoms of menopause; osteoporosis.
Cardiovascular exercises can help to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, combat weight gain and the associated problems and promote better sleep.
Stretching exercises, especially yoga and pilates can help to improve your general sense of well-being reducing stress, anxiety and depression, improving confidence and self-esteem and creating feelings of relaxation which can help you to sleep better.
Homeopathy
As a completely holistic therapy homoeopathy treats all of the symptoms that you are personally experiencing as a result of perimenopause or menopause. Your experienced and qualified homoeopath will ask you a series of detailed questions in your initial consultation to prescribe the remedy that fits you as an individual. Homoeopathic remedies can therefore help alleviate a spectrum of symptoms from eczema and insomnia to heavy periods, cramps and hot flushes.
Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a holistic treatment - it treats the whole of you. Therefore it can be extremely beneficial during perimenopause and menopause. Gentle manipulation, stretching, soft tissue release, and release of muscle tension as well as joint mobilisation can all help your body to help itself; relieve aches and pains and support better sleep.
The boost that osteopathy provides to the circulatory and endocrine systems helps to balance hormones and use the body’s own natural healing powers. It also supports metabolism and digestion. Osteopathy is also great for improving anxiety and depression and alleviating stress and tension and their associated problems such as headaches.
Massage
All types of massage including aromatherapy massage, osteopathic massage, shiatsu and deep tissue massage can help reduce anxiety, stress and depression and improve sleep quality. The increase in circulation supports the endocrine system and helps hormones to be carried around the body leading to a lessening of many of the symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause.
Reflexology
This holistic practice of massage and the application of pressure to various points on the feet supports general well-being as well as being able to focus on specific areas or problems. To treat menopausal symptoms a reflexologist will focus on the energy points of the feet that relate to hormone balance as well as any specific symptoms that you communicate to them.
Acupuncture
The safe and ancient practice of acupuncture works by using needles to stimulate the energy points within the body. It is effective at treating a variety of the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause including night sweats and hot flushes, digestive issues and constipation, heavy periods and cramps, muscle pain, sleep problems, and psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, irritability and mood swings.
Which Treatment is Best For You?
Depending on your symptoms you might choose to focus on one method of treatment or on several to manage your systems in the best way to suit your individual needs.
At our friendly treatment centre in South West London we offer a wide range of treatments including Osteopathy, Massage, Reflexology, Shiatsu, and Counselling. You are free to experience as few or as many of these treatments as you choose to support your wellbeing during what, for many, is a challenging, confusing and exhausting time of life.
Simply, get in touch with our friendly team at Brixton Therapy Centre today to start giving yourself the self-care that you deserve. Let us help you to feel better.