I had some big changes to make - and I learned alot in the process. Navigating Perimenopause with in modern life
Did you realize that our bodies contain more than 50 distinct hormones? These hormones play crucial roles in various bodily functions, including growth, fat storage, sleep quality, fertility, skin health, blood pressure, immune response, appetite regulation, and neurotransmitter production.
These tiny substances are highly sensitive to our lifestyle choices, and when their balance is disrupted, it can feel like our bodies are completely out of control.
One common reason for hormonal imbalances, especially in reproductive hormones, is the constant presence of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These stress hormones can disrupt the balance of estrogen and progesterone, which are vital for reproductive health.
This happens because your body prioritizes functions essential for survival when under stress, diverting resources away from reproductive processes. As a result, hormonal regulation is compromised, leading to various issues such as irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, fatigue, thyroid disorders, headaches, fluid retention, and fertility issues.
This underscores the intricate connection between mental and physical health and emphasizes how lifestyle choices profoundly impact hormonal balance.
I have owned SELFfor 14 years and I have never before seen so many symptoms of hormonal disfunction in women. I chatted to my naturopath about this recently in our newly launched podcast “The SELF_ podcast, we’re not talking bubble baths”. We discussed how the last few years has been extremely stressful and when there is alot of stress, the imbalance in womens hormones can create some extremely difficult implications. Brain fog and memory changes when you have a business or your role requires your ability to think straight can be a huge challenge to navigate. Lack of sleep, hair growth, skin challenges, weight gain, mood changes are just a few of the other changes that women are facing in relation to stress and how it is impacting our hormones….not to mention the indirect effect on the thing that matters the most, our relationships.
In my experience, however, life is like a fast moving train, by the time you have realised you need to stop, it’s feels too late.
It is not. Yes - some big decisions may need to be made, some dietary changes, some great advice and expertise.
Here is what I have discovered
Work with experts.
-We recommend Menopause doctor Wai Tze Cheng and Haley Flavell naturopaths in two great practitioners in womens hormones
Self care matters. We became SELF_ when I was on the fast moving train. Ever since I have been on this journey for myself we are even more passionate about women scheduling time for themselves, to still and slow. We would be honoured if a SELF_ritual appointment with us was one of the self care practises you chose for yourself.
Diet and lifestyle as a preventative measure are so important. It always felt to me like a drop in the ocean but I wish I had learned more sooner, utilising food as medicine for hormonal balance
Honouring my cycle. Have you ever noticed that you feel extremely social some weeks and others you wished you didnt have to see people? Have you noticed you are sharp, creative, slower or hungrier at certain parts of your cycle - these are all normal and necessary parts of the hormones prominent at each phase. By learning to honour each, you get to be all the things, to all people - mostly to yourself.