PRE-MENOPAUSE, PERI-MENOPAUSE, MENOPAUSE. Symptoms, Tests, Holistic Approach to Relieving Symptoms with Natural Ways.

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The terms pre-menopause, peri-menopause and menopause refer to stages in a woman's life related to the production of oestrogens by the ovaries and menstruation. These stages are natural – physiological, but they affect health, and they can cause symptoms which, literally, can torment us.

And I am in a peri-menopausal state myself, and I understand you completely! Fortunately, however, there are things we can do to feel better.

Let's see the differences.

Pre-menopause

What it is: The period before the onset of peri-menopause, where the woman is in the reproductive phase of her life. Oestrogen levels are stable and menstruation is normal.

*In case there is a fertility problem, please read here, I explain a lot: https://www.thomais.gr/post/holistic-therapy-for-infertility-premenstrual-syndrome-hormonal-issues-menopause-pain-heavy-pe 

Duration: Approximately, from puberty (first period) until about 40-45 years, depending on individual biology.

Characteristics: Normal menstruation, stable oestrogens, usually no symptoms, or minimal, normal periods, possible premenstrual discomfort (PMS).

I explain here: https://www.thomais.gr/post/autoimmune-diseases-everything-we-need-to-know-hormonal-imbalances-pms-prostate-skin-conditio  

Hormonal levels: Hormone levels are generally stable and balanced. There are no significant changes: oestrogens and progesterone remain at physiological levels, prolactin is stable (may increase slightly in cases of PMS), testosterone is stable at low levels. Other hormones such as FSH and LH are at physiological levels.

*The term is often used as a synonym for the period before peri-menopause.

Peri-menopause

What it is: The transition to menopause, where the ovaries begin to reduce the production of oestrogens and progesterone. It is the phase where menstruation becomes irregular.

Duration: Usually 4-8 years, starts around 40-45 years and ends with menopause.

Symptoms: Irregular periods (shorter or longer, with different flow), hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness, sleep problems and possible loss of bone density. Symptoms vary in intensity.

Hormonal levels: Production of hormones begins to decrease, leading to irregular menstruation. Decreasing: oestrogens & progesterone. Increasing: FSH and LH (to stimulate the ovaries). Prolactin may increase slightly in some women due to hormonal fluctuations. Testosterone remains stable or decreases slightly.

Menopause

What it is: The definitive cessation of menstruation due to exhaustion of the eggs and low oestrogen levels. It is the end of reproductive capacity.

Duration: Confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a period. The average age is about 51 years, but it can occur earlier or later. *After menopause follows post-menopause, where symptoms continue, depending on each woman's body.

Menopause Symptomatology

Hot flushes and night sweats: Sudden heat in the body, often at night. Vaginal dryness and urogenital problems: Reduced lubrication, itching or frequent urination.

Mood changes: Anxiety, depression or irritability due to hormonal changes.

Sleep disturbances: Difficulty sleeping or insomnia.

Weight gain: Metabolism slows down, leading to fat increase, mainly in the abdomen.

Loss of bone density (osteoporosis): Increased risk of fractures.

*Here I explain Holistic Therapy for Musculoskeletal: https://www.thomais.gr/post/holistic-therapy-for-musculoskeletal-problems-arthritis-osteoporosis-injuries-and-more 

Cardiovascular problems: Higher risk of heart/cardiovascular diseases.

Fatigue and headaches: Chronic fatigue or migraines.

Changes in skin and hair: Dryness or/and faster skin ageing, thinner hair, dry hair or hair loss.

Symptoms may last for years afterwards.

Holistic Ways to Manage Symptoms

The management of symptoms can be done with a holistic approach, and with natural ways that support hormonal balance. These methods help relieve symptoms without necessarily pharmaceutical intervention, always personalised – based on the needs and specialities of each woman, after taking a detailed medical history, health status, medications she may be taking, etc. If there are not sufficient medical tests, so that a proper assessment can be made, personally, as a therapist, I suggest having them done if possible.

Natural Supplements

Supplements such as vitamins and minerals can support the production and balance of hormones, reducing symptoms such as hot flushes or mood disorders. E.g. Omega-3, Magnesium (different form for each case), Vitamin D, K, calcium, etc.

*They must be taken with great caution, because they can bring opposite results!!! We do not recommend such supplements without examining the medical history, and interactions with medications! I have had the case of a lady aged 40+ who suffered a fracture in her tibia, only from a mild movement, due to the wrong use of vit. D!!

Herbs

Certain herbs are traditionally used for hormonal support, mimicking or the oestrogens and the aforementioned hormones, so as to reduce hot flushes/night sweats, help in progesterone production, relieving from PMS and vaginal dryness, increase testosterone and energy, improving libido and mood. E.g. Black Cohosh. For me, I prepare tinctures and infusions, and I don't take pharmaceutical treatments, except for a Depon I took with a fracture J 

Changes in Diet (Therapeutic Nutrition)

Nutrition directly affects hormone production, supporting the liver and ovaries. (Especially the liver is responsible for sex hormones and ovaries for oestrogens). Antioxidants and phytoestrogens, specific amounts of carbohydrates, ensuring the proper functioning of the liver, lymphatic system, digestive system, and proper nutrition, based on our needs are very important steps we have to take. I always want each change to be gradual and monitored, so that, on the one hand, we see the progress, on the other, it doesn't shock the body, and doesn't become oppressive or stressful.

Physical Exercise

Regular - mild exercise is crucial for supporting hormonal balance, the cardiovascular system, the digestive system, fat accumulation, quality sleep, but also our psychology!

This happens due to the release of endorphins (hormones of "joy"), the increase in testosterone that reduces stress, helps balance oestrogens, reduces cortisol (stress hormone) supports progesterone, and relieves sleep and mood disorders.

And in this case, we must adapt based on the needs, preferences and tolerances of each lady, so as not to cause injuries, stress, or pressure, with opposite results.

*We avoid excessive intensity during exercise, because it can increase prolactin.

Detoxification

The liver is responsible for the elimination of sex hormones, and its detoxification helps prevent accumulation of oestrogens or progesterone, reducing symptoms such as hot flushes or irregular periods. So, we can strengthen liver function with antioxidant foods, such as turmeric, garlic and green vegetables, and gradually eliminate toxins from foods and from our daily life, which exhaust the liver.

Even when there is no menopause issue, toxins create hormonal imbalances anyway. I explain here: https://www.thomais.gr/post/autoimmune-diseases-everything-we-need-to-know-hormonal-imbalances-pms-prostate-skin-conditio  

Another option we have is controlled fasting or intermittent fasting, which reduces the load on the liver, helping in the elimination of excess hormones-toxins.

*I have been eating like this for over 20 years, and I never had health problems, or inability in very intense workouts! And without consuming meat, because my body could never metabolise it. But we need to know what we are doing…

Cognitive Psychotherapy

Cognitive psychotherapy helps in dealing with mood changes and anxiety, which are often caused by hormonal fluctuations.

Techniques: Focus on positive thoughts and stress management, reducing the impact of prolactin and cortisol.

Benefits: Improves sleep, self-confidence, supporting hormonal stability. *It combines excellently with the aforementioned methods for a holistic approach.

Psychiatry (Only for Very Severe Cases)

In cases of clinical depression/anxiety or hormonal disorders that do not respond to natural methods, or where the woman is at risk, psychiatric intervention is necessary. It may prescribe medications to reduce symptoms of depression, stress/anxiety and insomnia, and must be combined with psychotherapy for correct results.

*I recommend, as much as possible, to avoid psychiatric treatments, due to the side effects, toxicity and dependence they create. They are not harmless… and unfortunately, nowadays they prescribe antidepressants to thirteen-year-old children, without psychotherapy…  simply to not deal with adolescence issues!

Hormone Replacement

It replaces the reduced oestrogens, but entails serious risks, even carcinogenic, as I explain here https://www.thomais.gr/post/autoimmune-diseases-everything-we-need-to-know-hormonal-imbalances-pms-prostate-skin-conditio 

Environmental Radiation - Hormonal Disorder & Diseases

The use of microwave ovens, beyond the other health problems it creates, causes symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, hormonal disorders, infertility and many others.

I explain here: https://www.thomais.gr/post/microwave-ovens-and-their-impact-on-food-quality-and-human-health 

Similarly, radiation from the environment: https://www.thomais.gr/post/smart-meters-health-risks-βreach-of-private-data 

Tests that is useful to do

The following tests help in the diagnosis and monitoring of peri-menopause and menopause stages. *They must be done under supervision, so that the results are interpreted in combination with symptoms and history.

Hormonal blood tests (FSH, LH, oestrogens, progesterone, testosterone, prolactin): Measure hormone levels to confirm peri-menopause or menopause (e.g. high FSH indicates reduced oestrogens).

DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry): Checks bone density levels, reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis and preventing fractures.

Vitamins and minerals tests. The deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals can significantly burden our symptomatology. Knowing this data, we can then adjust Diet and Supplementation. At the same time, we early detect loss of bone mass, and adjust minerals accordingly.

*No, our bones are not made of calcium, but of 12 minerals!

*No, dairy products are not good for Osteoporosis!! On the contrary, casein and lactose are incompatible with the human body, it recognises them as toxins!

*Our body, to cope with (alkalise) the toxins it cannot eliminate, draws minerals from the bones. So, Detox!

Lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides): Assesses cardiovascular risk, which increases with menopause due to hormonal changes, allowing preventive management with diet or supplements.

*Don't panic when your tests show somewhat elevated cholesterol!! The pharmaceutical industry raises and lowers reference values every few years!

*The statins they prescribe have excellent side effects (and serious revenues…)!!

*Since they started prescribing statins (like candies), the rates of Dementia, Alzheimer’s etc. Neurodegenerative diseases have increased dramatically!!! The brain (and nervous system) needs good fats to remain healthy and functional!

I explain here for the fats: https://www.thomais.gr/post/which-fats-are-beneficial-which-are-toxic-in-our-diet-myths-truths-analysis 

Subscribe to have me send you the study on cholesterol, when I publish it (I manage my correspondence personally – no one else has access to your email)

Blood glucose or glucose tolerance test: Checks for diabetes or pre-diabetes, as menopause affects metabolism, possibly leading to weight gain, which can cause diabetes.

Thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4): We do them to rule out thyroid problems, which may mimic menopause hormonal symptoms (e.g. fatigue or mood changes), as the thyroid indirectly affects sex hormones.

General blood and urine test: Checks for anaemia, infections or other disorders that may worsen symptoms such as fatigue or urogenital problems, useful in the holistic approach.

Tests can be repeated depending on age and symptoms, and it is good to combine them with a gynaecological examination.

Keep your cool as much as you can

It is important. Many ladies panic when they experience some symptom(s), fearing that they may have had something else. There is no reason J Usually everything is fine, we only experience the results of the Natural evolution of life, and the best we have to do is to accept ourselves with love, to do what we can to take care of ourselves, as difficult as it may seem at first. It's a phase and it will pass. At least we have the privilege of growing up J

Dear gentlemen, please be patient, Behaviours affected by such turmoil and discomfort, cannot always be controlled! The ladies and I understand you, as long as relationships remain healthy! Take care of your ladies, with open discussion, on how you can better manage the "crises", together.

Love, understanding and willingness are what are needed!!

And since I mentioned love, you can read about the chemistry/biology that determines it. Literally: https://www.thomais.gr/post/neuroscience-explains-genuine-romantic-interest-the-chemistry-behind-love 

So, that’s it for today. I hope that I could help you to resolve possible doubts, and to remove fears and anxieties.

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Thank you very much for your visit and your supportive messages! They give me the strength to continue opposing the dangerous industry that profits from our illness…

Loads of Love,

Thomais

Internationally Certified Holistic Therapist

Member of IPHM

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