There are three important hormonal and emotional transitions in a woman’s life:
- The menarche (the beginning of menstruation)
- The fertile years
- The menopause
Each stage requires attention, care and support from other women and community in order to foster and nurture that transition.
Traditional cultures have long recognised and honoured this transition, not only for the physical changes to a woman’s body, but the emotional and spiritual changes that coincide with this transition.
Perimenopause symptoms can start as early as 38 years of age and last many years until menopause, which is defined by 12 months without a period. Symptoms of menopause can also continue after this for many years (in some cases).
The western medical model relies on perimenopause medication treatments such as the contraceptive pill, the Mirena (an IUD), HRT (hormone replacement therapy), or a partial or full hysterectomy in some cases. Many of these treatment forms have side-effects or are not advised for women that have a close family history of hormone related cancers.
These forms of treatment also do not honour the emotional and psychological challenges that occur. And although psychological support and can be very helpful at this time, most emotional states are addressed with the prescription of anti-depressants and anxiety medications.
There are many female hormone homeopaths that apply the western medical approach to their practice, but if it is a natural approach that you would prefer, Sarah is an experienced menopause homeopath in Melbourne who works with perimenopause symptoms and alleviating them with homeopathy, nutrition, natural perimenopause medication and supplements.
As a perimenopause consultant, Sarah is very passionate about educating women about perimenopause symptoms and treatment, especially if the conventional pathway is not something they want to pursue. The Family Apothecary menopause clinic in Melbourne is a caring and nurturing space where women are encouraged and supported to rebalance and navigate their way through this important life transition. Sarah is experienced in managing early menopause treatment in homeopathy and has supported many women.
Perimenopause Symptoms Can Include The Following:
- Irregular periods
- Insomnia
- Change in viscosity of the menstrual bleed
- Mood swings
- Increased premenstrual symptoms
- Breast tenderness
- Acne
- Dry skin and thinning skin
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Heavy periods
- Fibroids
- Itching and flaking scalp
- Appetite changes
- Weight gain
- Bloating and digestive troubles/food sensitivities
- Headaches before the period
- Spotting before or after the period
- Over-stimulation and adrenal exhaustion – difficulty winding down
- Hot flushes
- Vaginal dryness
- Reduction in libido
- Muscle cramping
- Hair loss
- Urinary leakage and urgency
There is a symphonic balance of the hormones that is required in most cases for a woman to be symptom free during this transition. It is when the hormone balance is compromised that symptoms are experienced. Stress is one of the most powerful factors affecting this hormonal balance.
It’s easy to say to yourself, “Don’t stress”. However, at this time of a woman’s life, there are usually many demands and stressful events that may cause over-activation of the stress response, resulting in hormonal chaos. Many women are juggling families and work commitments at this stage of life. Many have ageing parents, relationship stresses, or even divorce. Many are confronted with the changes that are taking place, which may cause stress.
Stress management during perimenopause is vital, which is why Sarah will also discuss this with you during your consultation at our menopause clinic in Melbourne.
Our Approach
Early menopause treatment in homeopathy, as well as education and understanding, gives the best outcomes for perimenopause and menopause and the severity of symptoms. As an experienced perimenopause consultant and hormone homeopath in Melbourne, Sarah provides education, insight and hormonal support into the physiological changes of perimenopause and menopause.
Some homeopathic remedies that are commonly prescribed in perimenopause and menopause include Sepia, Ignatia, Sanguinaria, Folliculinum, Natrum muriaticum, Lachesis, and Argentum nitricum. Remedies are always prescribed according to the symptom presentation of each individual woman. For example, two women presenting with hot flushes may not receive the same remedy.
Sarah will take a detailed case history, including your personal and hormonal health history, your emotional state, and your family history of disease. Your current perimenopause symptoms and menopause symptoms will be explored so that Sarah understands them completely in order to prescribe the appropriate treatment plan.
In order to see long lasting hormonal changes, a baseline treatment period of 3 to 4 months is recommended. In some more complicated cases, more time may be required, which Sarah will indicate at the commencement of treatment.
Testing
In many cases, the symptom presentation is indicative of hormonal imbalance and particular hormones that may be affected. The treatment protocol can commence on these perimenopause symptoms; however, in some cases homeopathic detox therapy or further testing may be required. In the case of gastrointestinal symptoms, food intolerance testing may also be required.
Tests that may be conducted:
- DUTCH testing (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) – is the most accurate scientific testing method available. In some cases, it may be required to gain a deeper understanding of hormonal status.
- HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) – To check mineral status as well as heavy metal toxicity that can have an underlying effect on hormonal balance and conversion.
- Food Intolerance testing – To remove foods from the diet that may be causing inflammation.
Book an Appointment at an Established Menopause Clinic in Melbourne
Sarah is a co-founder of Midlife Metamorphosis – running retreats that are aimed to nurture, nourish and inform women entering or already in perimenopause. If you would like further information on the homeopathic approach to menopause and perimenopause symptoms and treatment, need extra support or would like to spend a day or weekend learning about this important life transition, you can follow the Facebook page at @MidlifeMetamorphosis. You can also contact Sarah at [email protected].
