Perimenopause – Starting Your Transformation
In some cases, women in perimenopause may have low levels of progesterone in comparison to their estrogen level. In other cases, the progesterone level is fine, but estrogen levels are too high. What’s most important to recognize is that each woman needs to be evaluated differently, preferably by a medical practitioner conversant in integrative or alternative medicine. More often than in the past, I find conventional doctors are quite willing to discuss the reality of perimenopause – but natural, long-lasting solutions are still hard to come by. Most conventional practitioners don’t believe that people can change their lifestyle and eating habits. My response is that I know and have seen that they can. And I will tell you this: no woman needs to suffer with symptoms of hormonal balance, at perimenopause, menopause, or after menopause. You can feel better and you can start right now.
Being in perimenopause does not necessarily mean that you will follow an immediate and direct path to menopause. Some women go for years in this transitional state, whereas others sail through in just a few months. What does seem to influence the severity of symptoms is the weight of other burdens women may have placed on their bodies over the years. Poor nutrition, chronic stress, and a lack of daily exercise are three major amplifiers because they each play a significant role in the body’s ability to detoxify and maintain homeostasis. Lifestyle choices such as smoking or drinking to excess are likewise compounding factors.
Another hidden element of perimenopause is fear. Many women are terrified by the prospect of losing their biological fertility. Our youth-obsessed culture has been extremely hard on aging women, but I have witnessed the dynamic transformation that takes place in my patients. The joys of life after menopause are many and great – you just have to learn how to manage the symptoms leading up to it! Please read our article, “What I Love About Menopause – Understanding What Menopause Is” for some great insight.
After more than 20 years of helping women with their premenopausal issues, I understand firsthand women’s frustration with the way healthcare is often delivered. With projections indicating that for the first time in history our children’s life expectancy may be shorter than our own, the time is ripe to make some changes in the way we care for ourselves – changes that aren’t oriented toward drugs. I’ve found that a combination approach, one that takes into account all four corners of a woman’s foundation of health, provides the most relief. That’s why I have guidelines to give women the basic tools necessary to navigate the confusing waters of perimenopause: in short, optimal nutrition, hormonal balance, mindful exercise habits, and emotional support.
By taking pharmaceutical grade nutrients, such as Women to Women’s specially formulated supplements, and using phytonutrients as directed, our patients have taken the initial steps toward healing their bodies and restoring their natural hormonal balance. Frequently they then find the energy and will to make lifestyle and dietary changes that dramatically improve their quality of life. Many write to us to describe their transformation. I encourage you to read and learn more about your health with our many informative articles. Wherever you are in your journey through perimenopause, along with the symptoms you may be feeling – will ultimately influence your actions and reactions. You can take our Hormonal Health Assessment and learn for yourself what proactive steps might benefit you the most. Know that you do have the power to help yourself during this time and that we are always here to help.
For more information, please refer to our other articles in our Menopause and Perimenopause section.
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