When I was researching and writing my perimenopause talk for the Perimenopause evening at Headlands hotel at the end of last year, I reflected on how much things had changed in the perimenopause and menopausal space over the last few years.
When I originally studied Herbal Medicine in the mid-1990s there was no such thing as Perimenopause. And even up until the last 12 months or so, there wasn’t much awareness about Perimenopause, which is the period of transition (that can last 5-8 years) leading up to menopause (12 months after your final period).
Perimenopause has been described by author and Naturopath Lara Briden as second puberty. And this is because the hormonal transition (declining progesterone and oscillating oestrogen) can lead to many symptoms which we often associate with puberty: hormonal fluctuations, mood fluctuations, menstrual irregularities, headaches and acne. Not to mention other fun stuff, such as sleep disturbances, weight gain and changes in libido …
So where to from here? Well natural therapies have options which are safe to take and supportive for your hormonal changes and nervous system. Herbs such as Vitex and Black Cohosh can be great for specific hormonal symptoms. And nervous system herbs such as Lemon Balm, Passionflower and Lavender all have their place during the perimenopause transition too.
Reach out if you would like some help in this space :)