Joyous Change
By Derby Stewart-Amsden
Joyous Change
A few months ago, I was absolutely convinced that I was going through the BIG M. Menopause, like the big C (cancer) is something that we are taught to dread and fear. I was as susceptible as any woman growing up in the west to the old wives tales, the whispers, the fear that the Change brings.
However, being me, I determined to learn more about what is after all a natural and therefore healthy part of every woman's life. Luckily for me the taboo has been challenged in recent years by many wonderful, intelligent and active women, so there have been some resources to find. Still, there are not enough of us out here celebrating what is a truly exciting and enabling stage of personal growth and transformation, hence this article.
Peri-menopause the Joyful Change
Okay, lets confront the topic head on. First of all lets get our terms correct. Menopause refers to that moment in a womans sexual cycle when she ceases to menstruate. The time prior to this is called the peri menopausal period. I think it is essential for us to know this, because so many traditionally trained western doctors just LOVE their labels. Because far too many of them are required to do far more work than any human could sanely do, these labels allow them to avoid dealing with us as individuals. And all too often this means that only the symptoms are addressed, and the underlying cause is not effected.
No, I am NOT against modern western medicine. I owe my life to the skills of many doctors and nurses. As a group they are dedicated, highly knowledgable and skilled, and care deeply abut their patients. However they are also absurdly over-worked, and some of them are not happy to admit that they do not have an answer to everything. Labelling us, rather than treating us as individuals is often the result of the pressures. Knowing this, I think we should forgive everybody else for being human, and take some responsibility for our own health - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
As you read the following list of the common symptoms of the peri menopause, consider that each and every one of them could be effected or even caused solely by stress.
POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS OF PERIMENOPAUSAL PERIOD
¥ Irregular periods, heavy bleeding, emotional seesaw
¥ Sleeplessness
¥ Depression (anti-depressants have no effect)
¥ Memory lapses
¥ Dizziness
¥ Irritability/mood swings
¥ Fatigue/lack of energy
¥ Decrease in sexual response
¥ Expansion/contraction of blood vessels leading to hot flushes and Ôbrain staticÕ or faintness
The above list is formidable indeed, but I think that facing the whole range of effects that we might experience is empowering. There is no doubt that it is bloody scary when your body responds in ways that have nothing to do with your current life or how generally well and happy you are. The consequences of hormones out of balance can make us feel frightened, suicidal, and completely out of control. BUT if we know that this is what is happening, then we can easily make the changes that will re-balance out hormones and allow us to love life again.
A Passage to Celebrate
I think there is more to it than just finding the right food, supplements or therapies to regain our previous balance. Now is the time to grow more deeply into ourselves, to manifest our potential for development and wisdom. For me at least, the challenged of re-balancing my hormones now is just the beginning. I want to create the strong foundations of great habits of care so that I can be the wisest, merriest most amazing old woman you have ever seen. I hope loads of you will join me on this path!
In every culture that venerates old age and particularly the wisdom and rites of older women, there is a VERY low incidence of negative side effects reported during the peri-menopausal period (i.e. the months or years from the beginning of hormonal fluctuation to the cessation of ovulation).
Of course there could be a few reasons for this
- the difference in diet between the West and East,
- the effect of the youth cult in the West as opposed the respect for age
- Western pharmacopoeia vs denial or traditions in the East.
So the number one thing to do is to bring the subject out of the closet, and embrace the opportunity and the freedom that is our right.
Menopause is no longer the marker meaning ÒThis way to the endÓ. As 50 is the apex of the female life cycle, Menopause is the gateway to a Ôsecond adulthoodÕ.
Of course for those of us who have early onset menopause (for as young as 28) or who have had it brought on early after a hysterectomy (within two years of a partial hysterectomy or immediately after the removal of both ovaries and womb), we are thrust young into this period of change. Still this article can help you deal with any of the less than delightful side effects that can drag us down.
You don't have to lose your looks, lose your sex appeal, become depressed, be invisible or forfeit your joy in sex. All you need to do is to make plenty of time for yourself.
Your body is changing, and you do need to listen to it (or as with many of us learn to listen to our body). And, of course you will therefore be listening to your intuitive self, by supporting and taking care of your bossy, you will be supporting the whole of yourself. To make sure that the rest of your life is as wonderful as you would wish, start now to change those bad habits to good habits. Make sure your diet is perfect for you, that you get exercise that you enjoy, and have the routines and support network to enable you to reach your full potential.
Working with Nature
Nature cleverly gives us a gradual process of 3-7 years for the dramatic hormonal changes to occur. Whilst none of us wish to be subject to the many unattractive side effects that can come with Menopause, we are well advised to see these years as an opportunity for growth and progress.
Coming into our 50s in this era is NOT the disaster it was for previous generations. You need not believe me, simply look at old family photos of Òmiddle agedÓ aunts, mother and grandmother - then look at yourself in the mirror. For most of us, this alone should be an encouragement. Our lives have not demanded so much heavy and thankless work as our forebears. And we have grown up with far better health care and nutritional wisdom.
On the flip side we also have more toxins in everything we eat and apply to our skin. And junk food is a monster of our present... So whilst we are far luckier than most women before us, we may have a few bad habits to break, as well as new health regimes to create to fit the amazing women we are becoming.
Time to be brave and strong and dedicated so that we can embrace the challenge of making this period of our lives transformative. Recreating ourselves to be the best we can be physically, emotionally and mentally.
This time of hope and celebration is not imaginary. Women in their 50s (once past the change) are less likely to become depressed than at any other age. Most women find that this time is filled with excitement and renewed joy in living. They are physically and mentally revitalised once the new hormonal balance is achieved.
However there are some fairly gloomy reports of just how bad menopause can be if we ignore our own needs, or if we do not find the right blend of nutrition, healthy products and stimulation to support us at this time. Also, we have to be cognizant of the dangers of lowered hormone levels to our body, so that we can find the right regime to keep us at our best well into old age. But if you hold these points dear, you will be able to reach your optimum health.
VALUE YOURSELF - One of the greatest obstacles for many of us is out cultural attitudes. We all must come to terms with the prejudices of society. Old is wise, experienced, strong, capable, calm, knowing, relaxed, and able to take life at a sane pace.
LOOKS - Facial wrinkles an other obvious signs of aging are brought about abrupt withdrawal from hormones, and of course the sun!! The best remedies are to eat well, enjoy brief spells in the sun and smile.
DE-STRESS - Stop worrying. Learn to let go of life, let things flow. Forget trying to control everything, you cannot. Do your very best and then leave it up to the universe, goddess or god, chance, whatever. Great ways to de-stress are meditation, reiki, walking in countryside.
HRT Issues
Whilst the controversy continues over whether or not to use HRT, it is essential that each of us make her own decision, based on her unique body and circumstances. But please, if you decide to try HRT be aware that there are over twelve different alternatives I the European market. It is reported that many people need to try more than two different products before finding the one that gives them the maximum benefits with the least number of side effects.
Also, when you eventually come of HRT, please remember to come off the medication slowly and gradually. This way you emulate the best of nature and should be able to avoid the Ôinstant agingÕ effect of coming off HRT quickly.
If you choose HRT, it is highly recommended that you take both oestrogen and progesterone, as this best mimics your youthful hormonal balance.
It appears that HRT is actually good for your heart (and heart problems are one of the most common problems for women as we age), and that the link to breast cancer had been over reported.
My own feelings about HRT is that I would prefer to work with nature and accept the joys of the change whilst banishing or at least subduing all the less than lovely side effects that can make this magical time of emergence a nightmare.
As we grow older we also grow more fully into ourselves - becoming more whole, more self confident. At the same time our bodies become more unique. This means that there are a myriad of possible things to help us enjoy this change, but that it will take us time to find the combination that is most effective for each of us.
The best way to begin is to try any or all of those things that sound appealing to you. Your instinct is far more likely to lead you to the right support systems for you. Of course if you are lucky enough to have both logic and instinct working together this is even better - if not this might be one of your goals for self development during this exiting phase of your life.
Some Constructive Suggestions
HEALTHY EATING
To reduce peri-menopausal symptoms, lower the rate of heart disease, lower the chances of breast cancer and osteoporosis, I recommend making permanent changes to your normal eating habits. It is a great idea to eat as much organic food as possible - this reduces the toxin level your body carries.
The following should be added to your diet
tofu, soy beans, soy flour, soy milk, rye, chickpeas, clover & flaxseed to stimulate oestrogen
use olive or corn oil for cooking & salads
fibre - rice, oat & wheat bran are all useful in moderation
fish including raw
veg, onions, peppers
fruits, especially apples, pears, grapes, dates, raisins & peaches
nuts esp. Almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts
low fat yoghurt & cheeses
garlic
vinegar
honey
complex carbohydrates - whole wheat, rye, etc
increase water - up to six glasses a day for improved digestion and detoxification (however it may not be wise to drink excessively with or after a meal, as it could force food to fast through your system)
moderate drinking of alcohol is good for you - 3-6 drinks a week stimulates oestrogen production in older women
Intake of the following items should be limited or reduced
beef (phosphorous)
all meat
all dairy
caffeine - especially if you are prone to high blood pressure
lower salt intake, but some salt is necessary (I use something called bio salt that contains a balance of the different salts your body needs)
sugar
HOT FLUSHES
can simply be caused by drinking a hot drink or having a shot of whiskey, so if you are troubled by hot flushes you might be well advised to have more cold drinks and swap whiskey for red wine during the menopausal period
SUPPLEMENTS
Too many fine nutritionists have concluded that there is a direct link between symptoms of old age and nutrition for me to be able to ignore it. I have therefore been regularly taking a well balanced multi vitamin and mineral supplement based on the recommended optimum set down by Dr Paul Clayton in his book Health Defence.
In general terms you want to:- Increase Vitamin E, zinc and magnesium.
PHYTO-OESTROGEN
These are hormone like substances contained in foodstuffs that effect the bodyÕs hormone balance. Isoflavones - genistein, diadzein are reputed to help protect against breast cancer. They are naturally found in Black Cohosh, soya, citrus fruit, wheat, alfalfa, hops, fennel, celery and rhubarb.
EXERCISE
There is no specific exercise that I recommend, just remember that it is best to have several activities that you enjoy, because some forms of exercise are not so easy to enjoy in the winter. I therefore recommend that you have at least one form of exercise that you can enjoy on your own at home like yoga, pilates, tai chi, chi kung, general exercises and stretching, exercise bike or weight lifting.
If you are one of those lucky people who enjoys housework, then that can be excellent exercise, just be sure to make your movements graceful and slow for the greatest physical benefit.
HERBS AND NATURAL THINGS
Aromatherapy
¥ Geranium is hormone balancer
¥ Rose tones and cleanses the uterus and helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. It is also antidepressant, aphrodisiac and excellent for older skin
¥ Cypress is indicated for heavy bleeding
antidepressant oils - `bergamot, Clary sage, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Sandalwood and Ylang ylang
¥ Oestrogenic oils Clary sage, Fennel, Star anise and Tarragon
¥ Lavender, Neroli and Chamomile are excellent for insomnia. Of the sedative oils Benzoin is helpful or external worries, Bergamot when insomnia is linked to depression. Many other oils can be helpful on their own and blended in baths or sprinkled on the pillow.
Evening primrose oil and natural progesterone are also used to naturally balance your hormones
during the change.
HERBAL REMEDIES
¥ Agnus castus, Vitex agnus castus, is a hormone regulator. It has been shown to stimulate sexual drive and help prevent vaginal dryness, and reduce hot flushes. It is best to allow several weeks before expecting a result to be obvious a the changes are slow and subtle.
¥ Aloe gel applied to vagina at night relives vaginal dryness
¥ Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa or black snake root) is a native american remedy. It contains phyto-oestrogens and so is excellent for balancing female hormones. 500-1000 mg a day to increase vaginal lubrication, relieve headaches and muscular pain, stops irregular bleeding.
¥ Damiana take tincture 2 ml in water 2-3 times a day to restore sexual desire and reduce hot flashes
¥ Dong quai ( Angelica sinensis only) can be helpful for sleeplessness, hot flushes and vaginal dryness associated with perimenopause. It increases circulation, protects the heart and increases the effectiveness of other herbal treatments - take 250-500 mg daily
¥ False unicornÕs root, Ladies Mantle all help maintain hormone levels in the body
¥ Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is good for menopausal problems as is balances female hormones. It stops hot flashes and increases your oestrogen production in early menopause when combined with vitamin E.
¥ Life root & Motherwort
¥ Liquorice is as classic adaptogen - able to increase or decrease the levels of oestrogen to help restore hormonal balance (best not to use this if you have high blood pressure).
¥ Red Clover relieves abdominal pain, and stimulates oestrogen production.
¥ Natural Progesterone cream in the most natural way to replace this hormone, and it is sometimes required rather than renewed oestrogen. The simplest and most effective way to measure your hormone balance is through saliva testing.
¥ Wild yam can be helpful for sleeplessness, hot flushes and vaginal dryness associated with perimenopause.
FLOWER REMEDIES
¥ Walnut is always useful during times of change, to help you to adapt to and accept inevitable changes.
Combined with Beech and Impatiens during moods of extreme irritability.
With Cherry Plum, Mustard and Gorse when faced with a black tide of depression.
With Holly for anger.
With Mimulus and Rock rose for fear.
With Olive for fatigue.
With White chestnut for worry,
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES
Kinesiology balances can be given that particularly target hormonal balance and its effects
Reflexology can reduce stress and the effects of stress on your body. Additionally it has been shown to re-balance hormones and so may be immensely helpful during peri-menopause.
Reiki works with the life energy that flows through our bodies, as such it reduces pain and tension physically, reduces negative mental loops, helps us assimilate emotional challenges and re- connects us with our essential self (soul, spirit, higher self, whatever you call it).
Yoga, over a third of women who reported using yoga found that it helped combat symptoms, plus the exercise could help prevent osteoporosis. As an added benefit yoga has been proven to be of benefit in pain management and motor control.
Derby Stewart-Amsden runs Ashwhin Balanced Living Centre and Personal Retreat, where she offers therapies, workshops, Ashwhin Flower Remedies, and resources for individuals and groups. http://www.ashwhin.com
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