Perimenopause

Perimenopause can last for months to over a decade. It is a period of transition which can bring many difficult symptoms.

Many women will report feeling fatigue, mood changes, memory problems, sleep disturbances and other difficult symptoms well before they might notice ‘typical’ menopause symptoms of hot flashes or sweats. This can lead to a misdiagnosis, especially if this begins in the early 40s.

Key Facts

Preparing for the perimenopause and the menopause in your 40s can reduce the impact of changing hormones on your health and ease symptoms. It is important to adapt your diet to protect your heart health, bones and brain health as oestrogen and progesterone levels decline
Weight management can become more difficult but a healthy diet in the perimenopause has been shown to reduce weight gain and improve muscle and bone health into the menopause
Nutrient deficiencies can confound the symptoms of perimenopause, especially B vitamins, magnesium and other nutrients required for hormonal balance and resilience from stress
Regular blood tests do not always give sufficient information about hormones. We use functional medicine tests such as the DUTCH comprehensive hormone test to personalise protocols. This can also provide useful information about whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be safe or appropriate. Genetic testing can also identify additional risk factors.
On one hand, it is important to recognise the symptoms. On the other hand, it is also important to rule out other issues and not blame everything on ‘getting older’

Best Test Options

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Thanks to implementing all your advice and recommendations, I feel physically stronger, more agile, I have less pain, less nausea, I sleep better (I used to wake a lot during the night, and have difficulty falling asleep), my head is clearer, I feel a sense of calm, and everything is easier (walking, talking, writing, reading ... the list goes on). I'm able to concentrate easier, and I remember things more. I feel happy and healthy, and feel that everything is going to be fine. I laugh more. Any tiredness I feel now is a normal tiredness, not sheer exhaustion. I haven't had this amount of energy since I was a teenager and I cannot emphasise enough how everything is just easier!
Patient
Cork
I have been working with Sorcha for almost 6 months now and the results have been amazing. I went for a couple of issues relating to woman's health, sleep, and anxiety. I feel like a completely different person now. I would highly recommend attending the clinic, there was no stone unturned to get to the root cause and there is a very practical approach to their recommendations and protocols. I am so grateful for their help to date.
Patient
Galway
For too long I had been managing symptoms but with Heather I have been able to do a deep dive into my individual issues. I now have a better understanding of my body and health and can treat those actual issues for better hormonal health. As a woman in her 40’s I feel that the changes I am making now will help me to manage the changes that are coming more successfully! I am back in control of my health and it feels so good. I am recommending them to anyone and everyone who will listen.
Patient
Kildare

Patient Story

History

Helen attended our clinic experiencing increased fatigue, feelings of ‘burn out’, difficulty sleeping and irritability. She was 45 years old and still had a regular period so was unsure whether this was related to the perimenopause. She had attended her GP for regular blood tests which showed normal thyroid function, no anaemia, and normal fasting blood sugars.

Tests

Helen carried out a DUTCH comprehensive hormonal analysis test. Her oestrogen levels were low normal and her progesterone was high, indicating that she was still ovulating but there was an imbalance between these hormones. She was also poorly detoxifying her oestrogen levels, possibly increasing her risk for breast cancer.

Her level of cortisol was very low through the day, showing poor resilience and recovery.

Helen also used a Continuous Glucose Monitor for two weeks. This demonstrated peaks of high blood sugar during the day that were followed by crashes, impacting her energy and stress.

Plan

Helen adapted her eating habits to support her energy and stress levels, including sources of phytoestrogens. Based on some of the triggers identified with her Continuous Glucose Monitor, Helen adapted her meals to include more protein and less carbohydrates. A tailored supplement protocol was recommended to support her energy while she adapted to a new diet and lifestyle. She commenced a herbal tincture specifically designed by our clinic with our herbalist/ pharmacist collaborator to support restful sleep, recovery and improve resilience and adrenal health.

Outcome

Within three months Helen had changed her diet in many ways, incorporating new meals and healthy snacks. She was sleeping better and had more energy and resilience to get through the day.

“I’m feeling better already! The recipes and suggestions were really helpful. I’m so glad I have a plan now and the path to good health is before me!”

Help Me Find The Right Plan

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