Surviving Menopause

Surviving Menopause

Our bodies are amazing. They speak to us, and speak to us, and speak to us.

This is never truer than when we go through any sort of hormonal shifts. And menopause remains up there as a pretty substantial shift Everything seems to get thrown up into the air, and who knows where it will land.

Oh sure, there are the lucky ones that glide through these body changes with ease and balance. With grace even. But most can expect a symptom here and there that hales the arrival of what might turn out to be a whole new body.

Yes, sometimes it’s a snail’s pace. Inching in bit by bit until you recognize that something has changed. Other times it hits like a volcano eruption or tsunami. You get the picture.

In case you need a list, let me tell you some of the changes that can happen as the changing of the hormonal guard takes place:

• Your hair falls out

• Everything dries up … EVERYTHING.

• Hot flashes, night sweats, water pouring out of you (hence the dryness).

• Early waking or Insomnia

• Fatigue

• Joint pains

• Frozen Shoulder

• Reduced sex drive

• Painful sex

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Fuzzy thinking

This is quite a list. You won’t have all of these symptoms. (Probably) And you may have symptoms that aren’t on this list. But even having a few of these symptoms is enough to turn your world upside down.

So what is a woman to do?

First know that it’s time to take care of yourself. REALLY! Women generally put themselves at the bottom of the list when it comes to self care. And self care really gives us some insight into ourselves and our preferences. And maybe that frozen shoulder is indicative of you picking up way too many pieces.

Here’s a simple list for you to consider moving into menopause.

1. Take care of yourself.

This is not some trite statement. It’s real, and it’s about time. If you haven’t learned how to do this before now, you must now. Really.

Say no. Take baths. Move in a way that feels good to you. Ask for hugs. Receive help. Take that trip. Please do it now!

2. Remember, menopause is a gift.

It’s in the name. A time to pause. A time to reflect on this transformational transition and decide how you will now use all of the wisdom you’ve gained.There are other gifts.

Be open to what they are for you.

3. Eat Well.

Protein, Essential fatty acids, Green food and water.

This is a simplified list but there is lots of information about how good food supports us.

There are excuses, (sometimes that bowl of ice cream is self care) but not good reasons not to know.

4. Herbs.

There are many herbs that support hormone production because of their molecular structure, and therefore can help alleviate symptoms.

Here are some to try: black cohosh, passionflower, chasteberry, wild yam and ashwagandha. Read the instructions or get some help from someone who knows how to take these herbs.

5. Exercise.

Moving increases endorphins, which elevates our mood, which helps us feel better.

Feel better! Move in whatever way you can. Increase that heart rate, and allow your blood to pump through your body.

And luckily there are Homeopathic remedies that help too.

Here’s a quick synopsis of some of the usual suspects: (Study your Materia Medica to get the full flavour of each remedy and to help in selection for you or someone you know.)

1. Pulsatilla: Emotional, weepy and hot. A woman needing this remedy is sensitive with wandering pains and a desire to be outside because she feels better there. She may stick her feet out of the covers at night, and be thirstless. Often has a history of difficult periods.

2. Sepia: Stagnation is the key word for this remedy. A woman needing this remedy is often chilly and loves to spend time in the sun warming up. Exertion also serves her, so a good hard workout helps. She’s irritable and doesn’t want to be touched often because she has already given so much she needs a break.

3. Sulphur: Hot, hot, hot! And worse in the heat. Sweaty too. The heat rises and can be felt in the face. Being in bed under covers is heat producing too, so here’s another one that sticks their feet out of the covers. Sweets are their downfall and by 11am they are hungry, hungry, hungry . . . even if they have eaten breakfast!

4. Lachesis: Intensity. In the person, in their symptoms. Rage, jealousy, loquacity. (talks a lot!) Things are worse in the morning when they first wake up. Flow feels good, if blood is minimal then there is more pain.Typically doesn’t like things around their necks, it chokes or suffocates them. Symptoms are left sided.

5. Sanguinaria: I add this remedy as it seems to be a specific for frozen shoulder during menopause. I wish I had recognized my frozen shoulder as a menopausal symptom. I never got this remedy, but I suspect it would have helped!

We can and do survive menopause. It’s what we do. Sometimes we arrive a little worse for wear. But we needn’t. On this side of it opportunity abounds for more energy, creativity and downright thriving. I know. I’ve been there. And I’ve got the t-shirt.

About the Author:

Michele Brookhaus business portrait. Bellingham, WA. © 2017 Mark Turner

Michele Brookhaus, RSHom(NA), CCH has been practicing homeopathy for 20 years with a special interest in women’s health and healing. She created Yoni Bliss, a homeopathic lubricating gel for women and facilitates classes such as “Soothing the Potent Feminine” for women of a certain age. She believes we are meant to thrive and create joyful lives. You can reach her at michele@yonibliss.com and peruse her offerings at www.yonibliss.com