What is perimenopause anyway?
I began researching this question about perimenopause last year and found a wealth of information that was never taught to me, or any other woman that I know! While menopause is generally considered a single moment in time – the one year mark after your last period ends – peri (the greek word for “around’ or “near”) menopause is the time that leads up to that moment. Women can be affected for years of their life and often don’t realize symptoms are hormone related. The process can begin as early as her mid 30’s and can last well into her 50’s. Excess stress affects the balance of progesterone and estrogen in the body, which can magnify the symptoms. While each woman’s process is her own, common symptoms can include:
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Sadness
- Mood swings
- “Brain fog” and forgetfulness
- Lower metabolism
- Irregular periods
- Changes in libido
- Feeling like you’re “going crazy”
I am creating an educational support group to help demystify the perimenopause process and to provide a safe environment for women to find support and connection to one another. We will be focusing on health – both physical and emotional. Topics will include natural hormone balancing with herbs, how various treatments such as acupuncture or holistic healing can help, and other topics that impact women at this time. These may include: partnership in mid life, identity issues, grief and loss.
Groups forming this fall.
Please contact Marcia at 707.829.3310 for more details.
