Perimenopause and menopause are natural stages in a woman’s life cycle, marking significant hormonal changes that typically occur in middle age. Perimenopause typically begins several years before menopause. It’s the transitional period when a woman’s body gradually starts producing less oestrogen, the primary female hormone. Perimenopause can last anywhere from a few months to several years.
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It is officially diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. During menopause, the ovaries stop releasing eggs and produce significantly less oestrogen and progesterone.
It’s important to note that every woman’s experience with perimenopause and menopause is unique. Some women may have few or no symptoms, while others may experience significant discomfort. Additionally, the duration and severity of symptoms can vary widely among individuals.
Symptoms
Common mental health symptoms include changes to your mood, like low mood, anxiety, irritability, mood swings and low self-esteem and problems with memory or concentration (brain fog).
Common physical symptoms of menopause and perimenopause include hot flushes, difficulty sleeping, palpitations, headaches and migraines that are worse than usual, muscle aches and joint pains, changed body shape and weight gain, skin changes including dry and itchy skin, reduced sex drive, vaginal dryness and pain, itching or discomfort during sex, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), sensitive teeth, painful gums or other mouth problems.
How can Solution Focused Hypnotherapy help with perimenopause and menopause?
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy emphasises the importance of focusing on solutions and strengths rather than dwelling on problems. Our sessions will help you to explore your strengths, resources, and coping mechanisms, empowering you to navigate the emotional challenges of perimenopause and menopause with resilience and positivity. The power of the body mind connection means that if we respond positively and calmly to any symptoms, this will have a huge effect on the way they impact our lives.
By calming the mind and body, hypnotherapy can help you cope better with stress and anxiety during this transitional phase. At the end of every session, we do guided relaxation which will help you to consolidate what we have discussed and help create new positive thought patterns.