Supporting Peri/Menopause

Okay...let us trudge into the information around peri/menopause.

It can feel so overwhelming and frankly a lot of rage can come up over how little information there has been for people for so long (thanks patriarchy!!).

Let’s start exploring gently. This is a very individual process with lots of nuance and this is just a starting place. As always, I invite you to explore what works for you and trash any shame that says you have to do it like anyone else.


Deep trust in the body

I have spent the last two years in mentorship for supporting birth. It has been a beautiful deep dive into what it means to trust the body.

My incredible mentor (Treeka of The ForRest) reminded me recently when I was talking about starting to dance into perimenopause, that this was also a time to have deep trust in the body.

I am seeing so much information out there that really starts from this place of the body is failing in menopause and it is terrible and we have to do as much as possible to correct the problem.
A process that happens for more the half the population (and in a few other mammal species that also have matriarchs in the social structure) is not a mistake to be corrected. There are deeply beautiful things that come out of this process too.
I am in a privileged position because I get to see them! I see them firsthand in my practice. Watching the incredible empowerment, embodiment, and sexual freedom that can happen for those that have the needed supports in this time is awe inspiring.

So let’s start from a place of deep trust in the body.
I realized I didn’t need to go wild trying to correct this change I am walking into. That like birth, I could have deep trust in the body, and offer it comfort measures as we move through this transition.


Rest

Rest is already so much more important then most of us have been taught and during perimenopause/menopause it becomes even more important.

Where in the past you may have been able to just push through, now you may find that rest is non-negotiable.

Many of the symptoms that some people get during this time (they are not inevitable or meant to just be tolerated) are based on yin naturally starting to decrease during this time. Rest is a beautiful way to protect yin and support symptom relief.


Passion and pleasure

This is an incredible time to start really focusing on your own pleasure and passion. I would even posit that it is the whole reason for menopause.

What brings you physical pleasure? What helps you feel connected spiritually? What are you still wanting to do with this one precious life? This is the pause to explore these questions.


Yin nourishing foods

As I said above, we want to support yin during this time. Yin nourishing foods to include are good quality meats (including organ if you can do it), fresh red berries and beets, black beans, molasses, eggs, good quality dairy, and seaweeds. For this, think deeply nourishing, iron rich, red or black in colour foods.
If hot flashes are a big thing you can incorporate cooling foods as well: green tea, mint, watermelon, good quality dairy, and cucumber. Here you can think of foods that would feel good on a really hot day and avoid hot spices and warming things like cinnamon and ginger.

Equally important: ensure you are eating enough!! Many cis women are simply not eating enough after a lifetime of diet culture. This is a deep transition time and requires adequate nourishment.


Prioritizing sleep

Yes I have sleep and rest in this list!! This is how important it is.
Not only are all forms of rest important, but this is the time to prioritize sleep. How would your day look if your bedtime was non-negotiable? How would it go if each night you included a bed time routine that made you feel delicious and unwound?

Sleep is so important right now. So before we reach for expensive supplements or exotic ingredients, I really encourage you to tend to this first.



Enjoyed exercise

Every single system of the body is improved and supported by movement.

I really encourage you to pick things you really enjoy and not make this a shame based practice.

How can you do things you love? How can you stack movement/exercise with time outside, time with community, or time listening to a great book?

Building muscle is key during this time and so any weight resistance type training is a great addition.
This can really help with muscle retention and injury prevention as we age.
Remember thought that this isn’t about overdoing it or stressing the system doing things you hate.


Comfort measures

This is absolutely a beautiful and important transition that can be trusted. But that doesn’t mean you should just suffer if you do get symptoms. Just like with birth, comfort measures are really important.
What would help?

My mentor Treeka recommends herbal baths. You can simply make a very strong decoction (simmered herbs – like a very strong tea) and then strain this into to a nice hot bath. They are delicious – add a little essential oil to make it even more divine.

Do you have a great body oil or lotion to massage gently and lovingly over your skin when you get out. Dry skin can be a symptom here, so incorporating this into your routine can be so comforting.

There doesn’t have to be hierarchy or shaming here. If hormone replacement is for you then you can absolutely explore this with your doctor (or keep looking until you find someone who is knowledgeable about this – more and more menopause style clinics are opening).

There are over the counter vulva moisturizers (they are distinct from lubricants) and they can be life changing for many people.

Acupuncture and herbs can be beautiful supports.

Would more community time, or nature time, or time screaming and beating a punching bag be helpful?

These are your comfort measures, so I encourage you to throw out what it should look like and think about what you most want to feel comforted.

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I hope there is even one tip here that helps you to feel more empowered and embodied in this realm. Feel free to send me any questions if you want further help.