What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause or premenopause is the transitional phase preceding menopause. It can last several years, generally between 2 and 7. During this period, the ovaries begin to slow down their activity, resulting in significant hormonal variations.
These fluctuations can cause a variety of physical and emotional symptoms: irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, irritability, reduced libido, fatigue and vaginal dryness.
This is a natural but sometimes uncomfortable stage, during which appropriate support can greatly ease the discomfort and promote a better balance.
What is menopause?
Menopause is the period in a woman's life marked by the cessation of ovulationand the definitive cessation of menstruation. It's a natural phenomenon that generally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but age can vary according to individual women, their heredity and certain medical treatments.
It is considered to have set in when there has been no menstruation for 12 consecutive months,
This phenomenon is accompanied by a gradual decrease in the production of female sex hormones, notably estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal changes can have an impact on the body and emotions: hot flashes, sleep disorders, mood swings, weight gain, intimate discomfort, etc.
Even if this period is sometimes experienced as an upheaval, it can also become an opportunity to refocus on oneself, listen to one's needs and support oneself with kindness. Natural solutions and comprehensive support can help you make the transition more serenely.
👉 To sum up:
- Perimenopause = period of unstable hormonal transition (menstruation still present, but irregular).
- Menopause = definitive cessation of menstruation (and hormonal cycles).
The therapies suggested below are adapted to both menopause and perimenopause, according to the specific needs and symptoms of each woman.
Symptoms of perimenopause and menopause
Hot flushes, fatigue, irritability, sleep disorders, night sweats, vaginal dryness, urinary problems, weight gain... these are just some of the many symptoms that appear during menopause. These are known as climacteric disorders, and their intensity varies from woman to woman.
Hot flashes:
Hot flushes, present in 7 out of 10 women, are one of the most common symptoms of menopause. They are brief, usually lasting no more than a few minutes. They are characterized by a sudden, intense sensation of heat in the body, accompanied by excessive sweating and reddening of the skin on the chest, neck and face. Flushes can be accentuated by ambient heat, alcohol consumption, excessive exercise, and also with emotion.
Night sweats:
Also known as hyperhidrosis, night sweats are hot flashes that occur at night. Often linked to a disturbance in the sensitivity of the hypothalamus (central nervous system). This imbalance, caused by a drop in hormone levels, leads to excessive sweating due to a disturbance in body temperature.
Urinary problems:
During the menopause, pelvic floor muscles tend to weaken naturally. This results in reduced bladder control and more frequent urination. Urinary tract infections may be more frequent during this period. The risk of organ descent is also increased.
Vaginal dryness:
Vaginal dryness is caused by reduced estrogen production, which in turn leads to reduced vaginal lubrication. It often results in burning, irritation, pain during intercourse or infection.
Fatigue and irritability:
Hormonal upheaval, age-related muscle fatigue and all the other symptoms associated with menopause can lead to severe mental and physical fatigue.
The onset of symptoms, often still unknown, makes women feel even more vulnerable, and they may feel tired or depressed by these fluctuations.
Sleep disorders:
Hot flashes and night sweats cause night-time awakening and insomnia.
Decreased production of estrogen and progesterone is generally accompanied by reduced secretion of the sleep hormone melatonin.
Weight gain:
Menopause is a period when a woman's body changes, mainly due to hormonal deficiency. This often results in weight gain around the belly and the appearance of cellulite.
When should you see your doctor?
When disorders are disabling or difficult to cope with.
The consultation confirms the diagnosis of menopause.
In the majority of cases, the absence of menstrual periods around the age of 50 is due to the menopause, but it can also be caused by other factors: pregnancy, hormonal imbalance due to medication, or eating disorders.
Naturopathy, an invaluable aid for alleviating the discomforts of perimenopause and menopause
At menopause, the body is weakened and therefore more vulnerable, due to ongoing hormonal changes. That's why it's so important to pay close attention to your diet and lifestyle, so you can get through this period with greater peace of mind.
- Caring for your microbiota: Several studies have shown that probiotic supplementation can restore normal levels of lactobacilli in the vaginal microbiota.
- Intermittent fasting: intermittent fasting during menopause can help combat weight gain by improving insulin sensitivity and boosting metabolism. However, intermittent fasting is not suitable for all women! If you have hypothyroidism, or if you have or have had eating disorders, even in the distant past, this practice is not recommended. Ask your doctor for advice.
- Organize detoxes : A detox cure can help the body eliminate stored toxins and pollutants. During menopause, a detox helps the body adapt to new hormones.
Find out more about naturopathy here.👇
How can nutrition help me?
Some foods can help alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, while others can make them worse. A nutritionist can also advise on dietary supplements that may help alleviate menopausal symptoms.
Advice is always tailored to your lifestyle.
More information on nutrition here.👇
Herbal medicine, a help for reducing disorders
When symptoms are difficult to tolerate, phytotherapie can help reduce them.
Gemmotherapy (plant bud extracts), plants and essential oils offer many natural remedies for menopausal problems.
Find out more about phytotherapy here.👇
Acupuncture to help rebalance the body
Acupuncture helps to restore the body's natural balance by influencing the endocrine (hormones) and sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, thus having an impact on menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, stress, insomnia, mood disorders and digestive problems.
In Chinese medicine, menopause is called "the second Spring", a period symbolized by a renewal of energy in the woman's body.
Find out more about acupuncture here.👇
Sophrology, a tool for better management of premenopause and menopause
Sophrology can help you cope better with menopause, both physically and psychologically.
Personalized support in sophrology to learn the different techniques, to listen to your body and mind, and thus reduce the intensity of menopausal symptoms.
Find out more about sophrology here.👇
Living better through perimenopause and menopause with reflexology
Reflexology can greatly help relieve menopausal symptoms and improve a woman's well-being.
- Reducing hot flashes: By stimulating certain points, the therapist can help regulate body temperature and reduce hot flashes.
- Improve sleep quality: By stimulating certain points, reflexology can help regulate the circadian rhythm (internal clock) and promote deeper, more restful sleep.
- Reducing anxiety and depression: By working on reflex points linked to the nervous system and adrenal glands. This will help regulate cortisol and adrenalin levels in the body, thus reducing anxiety and depression.
- Reducing headaches:the therapist can help improve blood circulation, and reduce muscular tension in the neck and head by stimulating certain reflex points.
Find out more about reflexology here.👇
Every woman will experience the transition to menopause in different ways. The symptoms will be unique to each woman. It's a transition in a woman's life that needs to be approached gently and sympathetically. It's important to consult a qualified therapist for personalized care.