The swing in hormone levels we experience during the perimenopausal years, plays havoc with so many aspects of our health. Particularly our brain function. Our brain is covered with hormone receptors for Oestrogen and Progesterone. When Oestrogen levels fall or fluctuate, it can trigger migraines and headaches. It also affects neurotransmitters like Dopamine, Serotonin and Norepinephrine which can lead to difficulty with memory and concentration, mood swings, anxiety and changes in sleep. Nerve cell function is affected which can cause pins and needles or joint pain. Progesterone levels fall which normally acts as a mood stabiliser, calming the nervous system. Cortisol levels rise and our stress hormone responses become dysregulated. Even though Oestrogen levels drop, if it becomes dominant in relation to Progesterone it can actually cause irritability, hot flushes and sleep disturbance. Testosterone levels also decline during this time, which can cause a lack of libido, low energy, increased fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and brain fog.

Hormones rise and fall in peaks and troughs during the perimenopause years, so we feel better one minute and worse the next. Is it any wonder we feel so 'out of sorts' during this period of our lives!! I am a big advocate for Hormone Replacement Therapy to help balance hormone levels, however there is no 'one size fits all' dose. Some people are far more affected than others by hormonal changes, so it needs monitoring and titrating by your GP according to your response. We are all different and hormone levels are also changing as you age.

There are many women who can't or don't want to take HRT, so alternative therapies can help to soothe those troublesome symptoms. It is also very beneficial combined with HRT because sadly hormones don't cover all of the symptoms we ladies suffer. 

Hypnotherapy and Coaching for Menopause focuses on assessing where you are in your life and where your energy is being depleted. Making healthy changes to how we live our lives can make a huge difference and I am there to encourage and support you. Whether its help with sleep, improving diet or getting more active. We would look at your values and whether your life is enabling you to embrace the things you love or is it holding you back. We would look into the 'stories' you are telling yourself and the unhelpful behaviours you may have developed to help yourself cope. 

Therapy focuses on relieving the challenging emotional highs and lows and building resilience to cope with the increased stress and anxiety of juggling a busy life during this difficult and changeable time. You will learn ways to calm and balance the nervous system and be supported to develop more helpful daily routines for self-care to prevent burnout. Hypnotherapy provides deep relaxation and introduces stress management techniques and emotional regulation skills that will lower anxiety levels and help you not to get so lost in negative thoughts and feelings. Hypnotherapy can even help with hot flushes.

Please get in touch to book a consultation session to discuss your peri/menopause journey and get the help you need. 

I host a Facebook group for education and discussion about all things Menopause. It's FREE to join and there's lots of helpful info and tips to help! You will also find support from other women going through the same issues.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/322584275901071/