Hypnotherapy and support for perimenopause and menopause

Perimenopause and menopause

Menopause is a natural part of a woman’s life. A woman is officially post menopausal a year after her last period but the lead up to this can take many years. The perimenopause, when a woman may notice changes in her body and mental state, can start up to 11 years before the menopause occurs meaning that many women begin to notice changes in their 30s or early 40s. Although the average age in the UK for menopause is 51 this varies, and between 45 and 55 is considered normal.

Physical symptoms of menopause

The most obvious symptom of menopause is the cessation of periods but this may follow a time when a woman’s cycle becomes increasingly erratic and her periods may become much heavier or lighter than she is used to. This can be difficult to deal with.

The next most common symptom is hot flushes which are caused by changes in hormone levels. However a list of at least 34 symptoms have been recognised including itchy skin, heart palpitations and increased headaches. It is important to say that not all women will have these symptoms and if you have any concerns you need to discuss these with your GP. The link between stress and worsening symptoms is clear as hormones are further disrupted when more cortisol (the stress hormone) is produced. If you reduce the amount of cortisol in your body through reducing your stress levels your body is better able to balance hormones, which in turn reduces difficult symptoms.

Mental symptoms of menopause

For many women coping with the emotional side of the menopause is more difficult than the physical symptoms. Menopause marks a shift in a woman’s life, a time when getting pregnant naturally is no longer an option. Even for women who are happy with the number of children they have or who have never wanted children, this can be a difficult knowledge to come to terms with. Some women also find themselves becoming more forgetful or more prone to depression and anxiety at this time.

Western society has an emphasis on youth which is associated with beauty and some women may feel that the menopause signifies an end to this. All of this can feel worse if women have already picked up negative messages around the menopause from childhood and growing up.

Menopause can also coincide with other times in a woman’s life. Her children may be growing up and need her less. Her parents may be getting older or she may have suffered from bereavement. It can be a time when women question their role and what they want from life.

How hypnotherapy can support women through perimenopause and menopause

Hypnotherapy can support women going through all these changes.

By reducing stress and anxiety both physical and mental symptoms of menopause are lessened, and the talking aspect of the therapy helps women reassess what would best help them to negotiate the difficulties they may be facing. The menopause is a transitional stage; not a life sentence. The experience and symptoms are unique to each individual but hypnotherapy can benefit all women to give them a chance to take time out to consider their needs in a relaxed and enjoyable way. If you have any questions about this please get in touch.

Online hypnotherapy for clients for perimenopause and menopause

I see clients face to face in Hayfield and online via Zoom. I have found this a very successful way of working, with both groups and individuals. Clients are able to relax in their home environment which helps them feel safe and comfortable for the therapy work.

Please get in touch to make an appointment.