During our fertile years, the purpose of the menstrual cycle is purely for reproduction and to keep the species cultivating and alive. When we approach 35 and beyond, the cycle can start to change. Fundamentally this is to start throwing off any follicles that haven’t been fertilised and bring women to a state of menopause, which is eventually cessation of the menstruation cycle but also reproducing babies.

Why does it stop?

Interestingly, from an evolutionary perspective, women stopped cycling and were of great value to the tribe. They provided wisdom to the tribe around them by foraging for food and contributed most of the calories they prepared to the young of their tribe. This allowed mothers to have more children closer together and for their babies to be cared for.

Emerging research tells us that changes in the brain have more to do with peri-menopause and menopause than we first thought. The three key influences are:

• Hormones

• Brain

• Genetics

Medical management of peri-menopause and menopause has commonly involved hysterectomy and treatment with synthetic hormones and/or the IUD Mirena, which only masks the symptoms.

What are the symptoms of peri-menopause and menopause?

• New-onset heavy or longer flow

• Shorter menstrual cycles (25 days or less)

• New sore swollen breasts

• New mid-sleep waking

• Increased menstrual cramps

• The onset of night sweats in particular pre-menstrual

• A new or marked increase in headaches and migraines

• New increased pre-menstrual mood

• Weight gain without change to exercise or eating

• Increase in anxiety

• Increased sugar cravings

• Heart palpitations

• Sudden onset of intolerances namely lactose and gluten

• Bloods or functional testing confirm changes in oestrodial, progesterone and elevated FSH

The Naturopathic Approach

First, we address the 7 foundations of health:

1. OPTIMAL NUTRITION WITH A WHOLEFOODS BASED DIET

Our bodies and hormones require a diet FULL of vitamins and minerals in abundance

Avoid alcohol - alcohol is neurotoxic and stops proper clearance of hormones through the liver and adds to oestrogen dominance

2. LOW TOX LIVING APPROACH

• address toxicity in the home, personal care products etc,

3. ADEQUATE HYDRATION

• Filtered water only and the correct amount, not too much not too little

4. MOVEMENT OF THE BODY

• Regular and nourishing exercise, not ‘stress’ inducing exercise high intensity or long distance running

5. INNER PEACE AND CONNECTION TO YOURSELF AND THE COMMUNITY AROUND YOU

6. ADEQUATE SLEEP

• 7- 8 hours per night, melatonin regulation, helps to regulate hormones while we sleep

7. STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

• meditation

• rest practice

• regular connection to nature

• nourishing relationships

• more support

• psychotherapy

• your tribe of people who are there for you, no matter what

Then we move into proper and thorough investigations with the support of a helpful, holistic GP. If you don’t already have a supportive GP, visit www.aima.net.au and find someone in your local area. Depending on your needs this will involve:

• BLOOD TESTS (hormones at appropriate times in the month + nutrient levels)

• PELVIC ULTRASOUND

• FUNCTIONAL TESTING (more thorough investigations of 24-hour cycles of hormones)

If you feel like you are resonating with the symptoms of peri-menopause and menopause then reach out to your naturopath or holistic GP and organise for some blood tests.

When properly managed, menopause is an opportunity to improve your overall health moving forward.

Here’s to happy hormones after 40!