Ladies, Take Care and Keep Shame Out of the Game
The loud and prevalent information floating around right now about perimenopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and hormones in general is overwhelming. While wading through the short form, eye catching blurbs it seems there are many opinions on ways to manage this seemingly uncomfortable season of life.
As a woman in this age bracket, I am thrilled to see all of the attention perimenopause and menopause are getting, after decades of controversy over women's need for menopause treatment. I can recall many women in my lifetime trudging their way through the thick of hot flashes, winding roads of emotions, tears, and unexplainable feelings. Left with embarrassment and shame for feeling out of control. With this no longer being a hushed topic, we have information available and support to lean on. We no longer have to suffer silently. I have spent the last 6 months diving deep into the work and thoughts of many popular practitioners and health influencers on this topic. Now I am left with the question- In our current way of life and exposures, are some of us out of balance to the point of needing hormone replacement therapy no matter the rebalancing approaches we take? I believe it is possible.
Approaching each case bio-individually is crucial for successful care, although the foundational health is for all of us, “we are not one size fits all”. A firm foundation is what the pillars of better health are based on, including rest, balanced nourishment, healthy natural light exposure, lowering toxins, support for detoxification, movement and reducing excess stress. It's much easier to see where needed supplementation or support is necessary when your basic mental, emotional, and physical needs are mostly met. A new approach with positive results, are companies using hormone balancing blends of bovine organs.
Although we depend mostly on natural forms of rebalancing, there is a time and place for everything. If base health is met and hormone replacement therapy is something that feels right for you, finding a practitioner or doctor you feel comfortable with is your next step. Hormone testing done through saliva is one of the most efficient ways to find levels of cortisol, sex, and sleep hormones. Please note that it can take a little time to get things dialed in.
Ladies- now that this is not a tip toe topic, there are many ways for us to be supported. Find what feels right for you as you weed through the boundless information at our fingertips. Remember there are many pieces to this puzzle, taking the time to take care of yourself is important. We need to stay well fed, strong and mobile.
