Menopause
I'm here to help you to navigate the challenges of menopause.
Women in their early, mid and late 40's often begin to worry that their lives feel out of control. Many health issues can bubble to the surface at this time along with feelings of frustration and even anger.
These changes in health, stress levels and emotional energy can be a sign that you've entered peri-menopause.
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No two women seem to experience the transition to menopause the same way. It can be a time where you may feel confused and isolated. For about 30% of women, the transition to menopause is difficult, and if that's you, I'm here to help!
What is perimenopause?
Peri-menopause is a period of about 5 to 7 years before menopause, and often begins at around age 42 to 45, or sometimes younger.
Declining progesterone and fluctuating estrogen levels can start to play havoc with the menstrual cycle. Women can experience clotting and very heavy bleeding during this time. Periods are often closer together.
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Some women discover that their PMS symptoms have worsened and irritability is now having a negative impact on their life and relationships.
The hormonal changes can also make us less able to cope with stress, making it easier to fall prey to anxiety, brain fog, depression and insomnia.
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The fluctuations in estrogen can affect other aspects of your health and some women find that their allergies worsen in their 40's and reflux or abdominal bloating becomes a problem.
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Hot flushes are not usually a feature of early menopause.
Vanessa's Story
"10 years ago, at the age of 41, I started having trouble sleeping. Up until this point in my life, I had been running a family and a business and I was fit, healthy and felt very capable. That. All. Changed.
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I started to wake up during the night and not be able to get to sleep for hours. I started to feel anxious, "through the roof" anxious and I felt hyper-alert all the time. I started to get heart palpitations day and night. My doctor put me on anti-depressants to help me settle but I didn't like the way they made me feel.
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I felt like I was on a merry-go-round of anxiety, lack of sleep and spiralling health problems. My periods started to get very, very heavy and I had to stay close to the bathroom at work. My digestion was the pits and even water gave me reflux. I didn't know what to eat because everything made me feel awful. And I was putting on weight, even though I was eating less.
I tried to hide everything from everyone because I had always been so strong and capable, I didn't like this new feeling that I was losing control.
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At night I would turn to google to try to find out what was happening to me. The doctor told me that it was just stress. I ended up getting more confused and worried because I couldn't find any answers or help.
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I now know that what I was experiencing was normal for women in their 40's but I felt like I was alone. I felt like the merry-go-round that was my life would occasionally slow down, but not enough to let me off and the slightest thing would make it speed up again".
Common menopause symptoms
You shouldn't feel worried or uneasy talking to someone about your menopause symptoms. Menopause is a normal part of life for every woman.
These are some of the things I hear from women every day:
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~ A longer time between menstrual cycles
~ Lighter bleeding, spotting and irregular bleeding
~ Hot flushes and night sweats
~ Dry skin, itchy skin, changes to nails and hair
~ Worries about weight gain and food choices
~ Mood changes, easily angered and persistent irritability
~ Anxiety, insecurities, questioning purpose, or depression
~ Declining libido, vaginal dryness, impacts on intimacy
~ Fears around safe sex and sexually transmitted infections
~ Migraines and headaches
These are all midlife challenges that can be managed with a naturopathic and lifestyle approach. I have tips and ideas for diet, exercise, supplements and products to support you to a vibrant post menopause you!
Alternatives to HRT
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Some women worry that hormone replacement (HRT) might be their only option - but there is an alternative! Herbal medicine and other natural therapies are very effective for lessening many of the symptoms you might experience during menopause.
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As well as supporting you with herbal medicine, I can guide you through which foods will benefit you the most, as you go through this transition stage.
"I have been feeling great - no hot flushes for months.
I am so pleased with the results.
Thank you so much!"
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Lisa A. Drummoyne, 2019
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I meet many women who have not prioritised their own health before menopause.
I will teach you how to make positive changes that will support you through menopause and enhance your feeling of wellbeing!
A recommendation from Cynthia
After having hot flushes multiple times per day for over 4 years, and trying many different types of over the counter medications from the chemists to no avail, I saw Simone. Simone prescribed a herbal extract for my ailments and I saw a noticeable difference within two weeks.
I still have occasional hot flushes, but they are a lot less frequent and much shorter in duration (a minute or two). I was very happily surprised that within such a short period of time (two weeks), the results were astounding, especially considering I've had the hot flushes for over 4 years.
I would highly recommend anyone experiencing hot flushes to see Simone straight away. I no longer suffer as I used to.
Cynthia, Lower North Shore 2020.
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