Are you experiencing peri-menopause or menopause and seeking more natural / holistic support?
Here at Seed, we offer a wide and full integrated range of holistic health and wellbeing services for women going through peri menopause or menopause.
Whilst we offer non-pharmaceutical options, we are certainly NOT against what the medical world has to offer. As usual, we believe in balance and that, as with everything in health and in life, one size does not fit all. Afterall, each woman’s experience is unique… some will find it challenging when others will barely notice any symptoms at all.
The good news is there is a lot you can do naturally to help alleviate and / or manage common symptoms before, during or throughout your peri menopause and menopause journey.
With this in mind, for the next week Seed, we will be offering information from our experts on different ways you can feel better, happier and more balanced.
As usual, our campaign aims to cover everything you need to know to aid your journey more holistically, covering everything from herbal medicine, naturopathy and nutrition to mental health, exercise and much more. As usual, our aim is to help you feel as informed, inspired and empowered in your menopause journey as possible so you can discover what is right for you!
See some common questions and answers below that may help you decide what and how you wish to gain support:
- How do I know if I am definitely menopausal or peri-menopausal?
The menopause is when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally.
Periods usually start to become less frequent over a few months or years before (in the peri menopausal stage) before they stop altogether.
The menopause usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, as a woman’s oestrogen levels decline. In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 51.
However, around 1 in 100 women experience the menopause before 40 years of age. as premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency.
Your GP will consider your symptoms and is able to carry out a laboratory test to further conclude if you are perimenopausal or menopausal if required.
Officially you can be classed as menopausal if you haven’t had a period for 12 months.
It can be difficult to diagnose menopausal women who are taking hormonal treatments (i.e. contraceptive pill, medication for heavy periods). However, if you are above the age of 40 and regularly suffering with any of the below symptoms then there is a high chance that you are entering the menopause.
Symptoms include:
- Mood Swings
- Hot flushes
- Anxiety
- Hormonal imbalance
- Insomnia
- Panic attacks
- Oestrogen levels
- Loss of memory
- Dry skin
- Insomnia / bad sleep
- Joint pain
- Teeth breaking
- Low tolerance levels
- Night sweats
- I am thinking about taking HRT but have reservations. What is it? Is it safe? What are the true facts around health risks when taking HRT?
The NHS only recommends HRT (Hormone Replacement Treatment) for menopause (and all associated symptoms)
- HRT in the form of creams, pessaries, tablets or patches are used by the NHS for all symptoms
- You can use oestrogen creams IF the only symptom is vaginal dryness
- There are NO non-HRT medications suggested on NICE guidelines for any symptoms as yet.
- Bio-identical hormones are STILL hormones (just made from plants, a bit more specific, and generally bespoke, with improved monitoring)
HRT can help with:
- Vasomotor symptoms (hot flushing and night sweats)
- Emotional Symptoms.
- Altered Sexual Function
- Urogenital Atrophy
Are there risks when taking HRT?
Like most medications, there are some small risks associated with taking HRT.
In August 2019, the MHRA issued a safety alert on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the risk of breast cancer
Women who take HRT for more than 1 year have a higher risk of breast cancer than women who never use HRT. The risk is linked to all types of HRT except vaginal oestrogen.
For women in their 40s and 50s who take HRT for 5 years there would be:
1 extra case for every 200 women taking oestrogen-only HRT
1 extra case for every 70 women taking cyclical HRT
1 extra case for every 50 women taking continuous HRT
The number of extra cases is thought to double among women who take these types of HRT for 10 years.
Research shows that the increased risk of breast cancer falls after you stop taking HRT, but some increased risk remains for more than 10 years compared to women who have never used HRT.
If you take it for less than 1 year, there is no increased risk of breast cancer.
Because of the risk of breast cancer, it’s especially important to attend all your breast cancer screening appointments if you’re taking HRT.
There are also small increased risks of Ovarian cancer, womb cancer and blood clots when taking HRT.
We have a full handout on the risks of HRT that was created by Dr Ashvy Bhardwaj. If you would like a copy please let us know at: info@seedwellness.co.uk
- What do the NHS offer other than HRT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is available on the NHS & can be prescribed to support the emotional / psychological symptoms and impact of menopause. However, it is limited & GP dependent.
- What natural alternatives are there to HRT that may help?
- Natural food supplements
- Essential Oils
- Herbal Medicine
- Homeopathy
- Bach Flower Remedies
- Mental Health support including counselling, CBT, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy and more
As everyone experiences this transition differently, it is best to have a consultation with an experienced practitioner to explore the best way they can support you. Please note – these consultations are usually offered free of charge but check with your practitioner on booking.
If you have any questions or wish to receive further information, please get in touch – info@seedwellness.co.uk.
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