If you are in or going through peri-menopause or menopause it is possible that those PMT symptoms you have for a few days now feel
a) like they’re around for several weeks or months
b) far more intense.
Even women who have never had PMT nor considered themselves “worriers” may now struggle with anxiety, worry, frustration or even feel depressed.
You aren’t going mad or sad – it’s your hormones going crazy!
Why is this?
The change in your hormones mean not only is your oestrogen level dropping but probably the other hormone ‘progesterone’ is low. Additionally, our lives today, are more stressful. Gadgets that keep you connected – keep you wired and this will deplete important minerals and vitamins such as B6 and magnesium which help maintain an even mood.
Finally, if you aren’t sleeping well or are having night sweats things can feel like they are rapidly going downhill, and this can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and isolated.
What to do?
First let’s address the sleep. If you get decent sleep then the body has time to mend and recover. You need minimum of 7 hours.
What’s stopping you sleeping?
- If you are drinking alcohol in the evening this needs processing by the liver which then kicks into gear while you are sleeping (waking somewhere between midnight and 3am is a great indicator the liver is working). So change the wine to a cup of herbal tea (see our sleep tea link in herbal tea blog) or a non-alcoholic beverage (see our mocktail blog)
- Do you look at a tablet or smart phone in bed? Even if you have it set to the night time mode, it is stopping your brain from switching into sleep mode and preventing your body from settling. So turn it off at least an hour before settling down to sleep.
- If you working late then you are still churning the brain. Stop the work a good hour or two before you head to bed.
- Worrying about something real? Is it worth talking to someone about your concerns? A problem shared can help take the isolation factor away.
Next, we need to look at the neurological aspects that may not be functioning optimally.
On this you should talk to a professional such as a naturopath, integrative GP or Chinese medicine practitioner. The answer may be to prescribe you supplements such as B6, St Johns Wort or other herbs that help mediate mood.
Acupuncture can assist with both sleep and stress as it works on the neurological system so may be of benefit to you.
Lastly, help get those hormones under control with regular exercise, good nutrition and possibly herbs that mimic hormones in your body.
Here at Ben&biao we have experience working with women going through menopause, peri-menopause, anxiety, stress and insomnia. If you would like to find out the options that might be right for you call us or book an appointment online with Sally or Heidi.