Perimenopause & Menopause.

The more female clients I see the more I am aware of how womens bodies can cause a variety of different issues throughout their lives. I thought I would base this blog on the menopause as it tends not to be something spoken about a great deal but can cause many issues for women that counselling and hypnotherapy can help with. Premenstral syndrome is something else which can impact greatly, however I will stick to menopuase today and do a follow up on premenstral syndrome at a later date, which I can go into more detail about then.

As I have discussed in previous blogs, the mind and body are intrinsically linked - whatever is going on in the body is invariably going to have an effect on the mind and vice versa. Sometimes you may be aware of what is happening to you and sometimes it may not be so obvious. Hopefully this blog might help to answer some questions and may provide you with some understanding which can help you and those around you.

I have heard many different ideas about when menopuase starts. Menopause can start at different ages - however the NHS state that the menopause usually occurs between the age of 45 - 55. In the UK the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 51. However 1 in 100 women will go through menopause before the age of 40 (premature menopause). If you would like to confirm whether you are expereincing menopausal symptoms you are able to request a blood test from your GP if you are 45 or younger. (www.nhs.uk) - however Dr Louise Newson, also known as The Moenopause Doctor, states blood test results can vary due to hormal fluctuations. https://www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/#

Menopause happens due to a reduction in the hormone oestrogen in your body - causing physical and emotional symptoms. It is important to know that oestrogen does’nt just regulate ovaries, it also impacts on other parts of the body, including the brain - interacting with parts of the brain that affects body temperature. Hence the onset of hot flushes! Oestrogen acts as an emotional regulator too - having an effect on the brain that is similar to the class of anti-depressant medication called SSRIs. The adrenal glands are also affected by falling levels of oestrogen. As a result, we become more sensitive to stress, meaning levels of anxiety increase and women become more susceptible to depression and mood swings. (welldoing.org)

Symptoms usually start a few months or years before your period stops - this is called the perimenopuase. The menopause is when you have not had a period for 12 months or over. Most women will experience symptoms of some kind around the menopuase and on average this will last for approximately four years from your last period. Again, I must stress this is based on NHS statistics and you may be one of the people who are not average and you may get symtpoms for longer than this or less than this.

So, now lets look at the symptoms! The first symptoms are not neccesaraily physical. Anxiety can be one of the first signs that your body is changing. There may be a constant feeling of nerves and stress or bursts of anger to contend with. Symptoms can occur gradually or suddenly, depending on your individual case. For example if you are going through cancer treatment you may get more severe and sudden symptoms. The first sign is usually a change in the pattern of your periods which may become heavier or lighter. The frequency of your periods might also change - you may start having them every two to three weeks or may not have them for months at a time. They will finally stop altogether! There are quite a few menopausal symptoms, however the one I have heard of the most tends to be hot flushes. Hot flushes are short, sudden feelings of heat, usually focused around your face, neck and chest, making your skin red and sweaty. These can occur at night as well (night sweats).

Difficulty sleeping can be another symptom which can cause tiredness and irritability during the day. Other symptoms can include a reduced sex drive, reduced muscle mass, problems with memory and concentration, vaginal dryness, headaches, joint stiffness and aches and pains, mood changes, anxiety and recurrent water infections. Oh my goodness I hear you sigh!! This sounds awful and how am I going to cope!!! The first thing to do is remember that NOT all women will get symptoms, some may get a couple, others none at all, or very mild symptoms. The reason for me listing these possible symptoms is to increase knowledge and help women (and also the supportive men out there) recognise that if you are experiencing any of these symptoms this may be the cause. Menopause tends to be ignored and hidden. Women don’t want to be defined as ‘old’ and self-image, self-esteem and confidence can be affected greatly.

What is there to help us? I hear you say. Fortunately things are gradually changing - with more women speaking out about how they have been affected. HRT is available from your GP, and is now known to be a safer option than previously thought. However, some women would like an alternative. Two years ago the British Medical Journal published a review of alternative treatments for hot flushes. They concluded that Cognitve Behavioural Therapy and Hypnotherapy were the only two alternative treatments they could reccomend as being effective in reducing the experience of vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes). (welldoing.org)

The other menopausal symptoms discussed are also benefited greatly through the use of Hypnotherapy and intergrative counselling skills, helping women to regain control over their bodies, reduce hot flushes, tackle insomnia, increase relaxation, reduce stress and help with anxiety reduction. Techniques and strategies which can help with symptoms can be taught for use at any time and in any situation. Self-hypnosis is taught due to the effects of hypnosis becoming greater the more times you do it! After a bit of practice clients sometimes don’t need me any longer as they become so effective in their own self-hypnosis.

Research has shown that once-weekly sessions of hypnosis, with women also practising self-hypnosis at home, can help women to reduce hot flushes by 70% after just 5 weeks, reducing both frequency and intensity. Learning simple techniques to control night time anxiety can mean a better nights sleep, resulting in a better following day. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a practical and helpful way to help a range of health problems, including anxiety, stress, depression, hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems and fatigue. Cogntive Behavioural Therapy helps people develop practical ways of managing problems, providing new coping skills and useful strategies. Anxiety and stress are common reactions to everyday life, however the menopause can dial anxious thoughts and stressful feelings up to eleven - overwhelming us completely and making us think we don’t have the personal resources to deal with what is happening. Cognitve Behaviour Therapy and Hypnotherapy focuses on the links between physical symptoms, thoughts, feelings and behaviours and how to change them to benefit us.

Finally, do not expect to have a low mood during menopause! Many women are pleased never to have periods again! If however the changes occuring in your body are affecting your mood and you find yourself looking back and reflecting on your life negatively then Counselling and Hypnotherapy may support you in exploring your thoughts and developing future goals. Understanding more about yourself and talking to somebody impartial who will listen empathetically and without judgement can be of enormous benefit that can help you along the path of this new journey in your life.

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Thank you.