Stress-busting tactics to reverse menopausal mood swings

There’s so much about the menopause that can totally disrupt your life. The decline in female hormones, at that time, can put a continual and incredible stress load on the body, which can go on to effect the Cortisol-to-DHEA ratio. When DHEA levels are low in comparison to cortisol we get a ‘cortisol dominance’ setup that can bring with it a host of health issues including weight gain, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

With the added stress of today’s hectic lifestyles– as stress blunts hormone production – it’s  the perfect combination for a fatal storm. The decline in sex hormones, along with an imbalance in the Cortisol-to-DHEA ratio, can make menopausal symptoms more pronounced, including:

• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Night sweats

What are the short and long-term stress-busting methods to help you through the menopause?

1.   Improve your diet

You really are what you eat; look after your insides by ingesting friendly bacteria from probiotics and fermented food (mainly vegetables), and you’ll experience improved brain functionality, feelings of wellbeing and mood control. This means setting aside time to cook and eat at your own pace.

2.   Don’t rely on unhealthy habits

You might get a momentary buzz from alcohol, smoking or caffeine, but they will make you feel worse in the long-run. Alcohol is a natural depressive, while smoking and caffeine throw off your body’s natural sleeping and eating patterns. All are associated with negative physical health effects.

3.   Exercise

Your body releases endorphins as you exercise, reducing pain perception and enabling a feeling of euphoria. It blocks the physical effects of stress too, those that exercised less frequently were found to experience 37% more physical symptoms during stressful times.

4.   Take a walk

Countryside residents have been found to  have a better cortisol-to-DHEA ratio than city dwellers and therefore suffer less stress. Getting back to nature – even for a 10-minute walk – can help you re-assess and gain a greater sense of perspective.  

5.   Take up a hobby

Whether it’s an existing passion or a long-held wish to learn samba, a hobby gives you time to be yourself and can take your mind off the cause of the stress. It’s a great way to socialise, and is the perfect way to set and achieve more personal goals.

6.   Socialise

Loneliness is major stressor, and prevents you from talking through your problems. Chat with people you see on your daily rounds, and attend community events to broaden your support network. Best of all – volunteer and de-stress by helping others.

7.   Make ‘me time’

Life’s all about balance, and sometimes you just need some me time. Meditation is now universally accepted as an effective stress-buster. It doesn’t require anything special, just sit quietly for 10-minutes and try to shut out the madness. Or, spoil yourself a little with a hot bath, yoga session – even a massage!

8.   Breathe right

It’s a natural process that goes on 24/7, so it’s easy to forget that breathing control can regulate physiological and bioenergetics mechanisms, oxygenating your body and settling your nervous system. There’s a technique called ‘Buteyko’ that can help you restore a normal pattern.

9.   Change your psychology

Some self-reflection is needed before you truly take control of your psychology. Optimists are better at dealing with stress. Unleash your inner optimist by making a list of all the things you’re thankful for – there’ll be more than you think! Here’s some other ways you can improve your psychology:

• Adjust expectations
• Say ‘no’
• Express true feelings
• Avoid stressful people/situations
• Be willing to compromise
• Manage your time
• Accentuate the positive

It doesn’t have to be this way; fight back with restorative medicine and find the long-term solution

All of these methods will help you realign your emotions and let normal service resume… temporarily. The only way to truly take your stress levels by the reins and achieve long-term oneness is to naturally re-balance your hormone levels.

Bioidentical hormone restorative therapy lets you use natural compounds to overcome the symptoms of the menopause, without the health risks associated with synthetic HRT. Bioidentical hormones are organic compounds that are an exact copy of the human hormone, enabling them to function in the same way. 

Once your hormonal levels have returned to their natural levels, you can say ‘goodbye’ to the symptoms of the menopause and ‘hello’ to a more youthful, healthier you.

With my book, find out how you can take your first steps towards re-discovering natural balance.