As women enter their late thirties and forties, we often experience changes in hormones and the emergence of unsettling symptoms. But the good news is there are plenty of natural strategies available to help us rebalance our health and overcome the challenges that come with perimenopause. In this blog post, we’ll delve into one of the most common symptoms women face during this transition: mood changes. We’ll explore why they occur, how they affect your daily life, and most importantly, we’ll provide practical tips and strategies to help you find emotional equilibrium.
Understanding Mood Changes in Perimenopause
As estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels decline in your late thirties and forties, it’s common to experience mood fluctuations. Some women may feel low and lack motivation, while others might experience heightened anxiety, panic, or irritability. These mood swings can impact your relationships, work performance, and overall well-being, leaving you feeling like an emotional rollercoaster.
The wealth of emerging research on women’s health is a beacon of hope; straining and suffering through the transition into menopause is not the status quo. My passion is to share natural strategies that can be implemented immediately, enabling women to achieve enhanced physical and emotional wellness.
Addressing Hormonal Imbalances Naturally
When it comes to addressing mood imbalances during perimenopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be the go-to option for many women. However, it’s important to understand that HRT may not be the best option for everyone.
Incorporating low-dose bioidentical or non-bioidentical progesterone may help alleviate mood changes leading up to menstruation. Some women see positive changes, while others, with whom I frequently work, experience adverse effects such as weight gain, anxiety, and worsened mood. Therefore, this approach may not be a universal solution.
Furthermore, HRT can have side effects and may not always provide the desired results. It’s crucial to understand the underlying causes behind your mood swings and explore alternative strategies that promote holistic hormone balance, such as making dietary changes, taking supplements, and incorporating exercise into your routine.
The Role of Adrenals, Liver, and Gut Health
Attaining hormonal balance during perimenopause is not just about popping a pill. It requires a holistic approach involving three key areas: the adrenals, the liver, and the gut. These systems play a crucial role in supporting hormone balance and overall well-being.
As women, our adrenals are the most common areas where our bodies experience imbalance. As we navigate through menopause, our liver and gut play vital roles in maintaining hormone balance. It’s essential to prioritize these areas to support overall wellness. If these areas are out of balance, our hormones will struggle to rebalance.
Imbalances in these areas can result in symptoms like hot flashes, weight gain, anxiety, and decreased libido. Addressing these imbalances through targeted activity, nutrition, herbs, and supplementation can do wonders to alleviate mood swings and improve the quality of life.
Nutrition for Hormone Balance
Nutrition plays a vital role in supporting hormone balance. Incorporating two cups of dark leafy greens into your daily diet, such as arugula or kale, can significantly impact your mood and hormonal health. These greens contain essential minerals, including calcium and iron, which are crucial for hormone regulation and overall well-being.
Bitter greens facilitate liver detoxification, which is crucial for hormone health in women, particularly estrogen levels. Estrogen drops erratically, mimicking a rollercoaster ride. As estrogen levels fluctuate, our liver buffers against abrupt peaks and troughs. Unfortunately, these shifts often lead to volatile moods and emotions. However, eating two cups of well-chewed dark leafy greens daily can improve our liver’s ability to process estrogen effectively.
It’s essential to pair greens with healthy fats for maximum absorption. With this healthy practice, balanced moods are achievable. Additionally, the antioxidants found in colorful fruits and vegetables can help reduce inflammation and promote hormonal balance.
The Importance of Comprehensive Testing
While dietary changes are a great starting point, it’s essential to undergo comprehensive lab testing to determine the root cause of your hormone imbalances. If there is an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone, or if estrogen is not being properly processed in the gut or liver, there are tests that allow us to better understand these issues.
We can utilize urine and stool testing to determine how estrogen is being processed by the body, including whether or not excess estrogen is being eliminated or recirculated. Taking these tests can help ascertain whether any imbalances are present and how they may be impacting the body. Armed with this information, you can develop a personalized plan to restore balance and alleviate mood swings.
Seeking Professional Support
Finding the right strategies to rebalance your hormones can be overwhelming, and that’s where a functional medicine practitioner can assist you. We specialize in understanding the intricate connections between your hormones and your overall health.
I am a functional medicine practitioner specializing in rebalancing hormones and helping women in their late thirties and beyond feel like their best selves. If you’re seeking guidance or support during this transitional stage of life, please don’t hesitate to reach out. There are a few ways to connect with me: visit my website and use the contact form, or schedule a free discovery call to determine if we’re a good fit to work together. I’m always happy to assist you on your journey toward optimal health and wellness.
By working together, they can help you uncover the root causes of your mood imbalances and develop a personalized plan to regain control of your emotional well-being.
In Conclusion,
To make sense of the changes happening during perimenopause and beyond, it’s important to create harmony from within. By understanding mood changes, addressing hormonal imbalances naturally, and considering adrenal, liver, and gut health—nutrition being key — we can begin providing our bodies with the support they need. Balancing hormones requires comprehensive testing for a truly personalized approach. Seeking professional support is equally essential; there are many sources out there to help inform our decisions as we explore this transition in our lives. In doing so, we offer ourselves the possibility of immense transformation, not just in this phase but in those that will follow. When we fill our bodies with nutrients that nourish our entire being, only then do we have access to the freedom and rewards that come with true self-care. All you have to do now is take the plunge and schedule a discovery call today!
Feeling out of sorts because your hormones are acting up? Let’s dive in and get to the root of it! I’m here to lend a hand and schedule a free discovery call with you. In our chat, we’ll delve deeper into your symptoms and create a personalized plan for your unique needs.
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DISCLAIMER: The information in this email is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is for general informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional
