Are Menopause Symptoms Our Friends or Enemies? 


What if we viewed our menopause symptoms as friends rather than enemies? With over two decades of experience nurturing women’s health and well-being, I’ve observed a common pattern: we tend to tackle the symptoms head-on, trying to find solutions within the symptoms themselves.

I understand why we approach it this way—the symptoms can be maddening. However, based on both experience and scientific understanding, these symptoms often serve as warning signs, our body’s way of communicating what’s happening internally.

Addressing symptoms is like applying a band-aid—it deals with the surface issue without delving into the underlying system. Furthermore, this approach often backfires; attempting to alleviate one symptom may inadvertently trigger another or exacerbate an existing one.

Each symptom is intricately connected to an internal system, and deciphering the root cause while grasping these intricate connections can lead to a permanent farewell to symptoms.

In our 40s and 50s, our bodies naturally age, and hormonal changes throw our internal systems into disarray. Perimenopause is bewildering because every hormone and bodily function is interdependent. If one falters, the rest follow suit.

Listen to your body

The key takeaway here is: Your symptoms are messages urging change as your body matures. Your actions in your 40s and 50s shape your health in your 70s and 80s. So, in essence, your symptoms are your allies, your best friends in disguise.

Imagine a 40-year-long conversation between you and your body. You communicate effectively, with occasional misunderstandings. However, as sex hormones like (o)estrogen and progesterone decline, the dialogue becomes incomprehensible, like speaking different languages. This language barrier is the first issue—you’re suddenly not on the same page!

Our body operates on a circadian rhythm tied to hormones, hunger, sleep, moods, and energy levels. When sex hormones wane or stress surges, this rhythm goes haywire. Picture a clock’s hands spinning backwards every hour, making it hard to know if you’re coming or going—much like perimenopausal symptoms, right?

You may have heard that perimenopause can extend up to a decade, and in some cases, even 14 years, depending on the media you read. This extended duration and intense symptoms is often due to this new language barrier. By learning this new language and heeding your symptoms’ warnings, you can substantially shorten this phase or, if you are here in preparation, avoid it completely! 

Now, let’s talk about your brain. Not because it’s aging and forgetful, though that doesn’t help, but because it loves familiarity. Anything known and familiar is safe, so it resists change, straying from what it considers secure. It will actually work so hard to stop you from breaking these chains, telling you all sorts of craziness and probably putting you into procrastinating or your needs to the bottom of the list. Does any of the following sound familiar? 

• I’ll start when… (fill in the blank…) when the kids get older, start school on Monday! After Christmas, in the new year, etc….
• I don’t have money to invest in my health, but a holiday or new clothes are essential (Without health what do you have?)
• My mother had a bad menopause so I will too… (psst.. Not true!)
• It will pass, I’ll just work through it like I always do… (Why? When it can be easy!)

While we appreciate the brain for keeping us safe, it’s your responsibility to reprogram it, letting go of outdated habits that no longer serve you and your body.

So, which hormones are we dealing with? There are nine major players:

• (O)estrogen

• Progesterone

• Testosterone

• Thyroid (TSH, T3, and T4)

• Cortisol

• Adrenaline

• Melatonin

• Ghrelin

• Leptin

These hormones are intricately tied to your circadian rhythm.

Tailor your journey to you

Here are seven controllable factors affecting your circadian rhythm and hormonal symptoms. Remember, what worked for you in your 20s and 30s may not suffice in your 40s and 50s.

For instance, the food industry has transformed—the nutritional value of an orange today is a far cry from that in the 1980s. You’d have to eat six oranges now compared to one back then!

Explore these factors and tailor your journey accordingly. Remember, what works for one particular celebrity may not work for you:

1     Your diet and meal timing

2     Environmental chemicals and toxins your body absorbs

3     Quality of your sleep

4     Movement (not just exercise)

5     Mindset, emotions, brain programming, beliefs, habits, and

   outdated information

6     Social environment and connections

7     Stress levels and lifestyle

Regrettably, doctors are often untrained in these aspects, unless they specialize in them. This contributes to many women feeling let down by their general practitioners (GPs).

While we can’t halt aging and hormonal changes, we can navigate them more smoothly by addressing these seven controllable factors. Through my work with thousands of women, I’ve learned each journey is unique, requiring a personalized approach that need not overwhelm or consume your life.

My motto is progress at 1% daily, little by little a little becomes a lot! Small steps add up over time. By adopting this practice, you’ll forge lasting change that pays dividends in your 70s and 80s. This approach won’t take over your life but will enhance it. 

Final thought

I deliberately haven’t delved into Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) here. It’s a personal choice. I advocate for HRT, using it myself, not as a symptom cure but as a proactive health measure. I’d be delighted to discuss this further if you wish. Remember, you hold the reins on this journey, with ample opportunities to optimize your health, life, and happiness.If you want more guidance and support, please download my free 30+ page Mastering Your Perimenopause Guide.