Reflexology for Menopause – Menopause Support

Physical and Emotional Changes

The menopause effects women from about aged 40 years onwards and it's a time for both physical and emotional change.  The menopause is your last period but we generally refer to the menopause as that transition phase which can last 15 years or more.

Leading up to the menopause your body goes through a series of changes, known as the peri-menopause.  The ovaries start to decline, there will be a change in the pattern of your periods and you may begin to experience menopausal symptoms of hot flushes, increased sweating, not sleeping well, headaches and weight gain.  It's not just the physical symptoms which women are susceptible to, women will experience other symptoms relating to worry and stress around this time.

Stress and Hormonal Imbalance

There is already an imbalance happening during the menopause with both oestrogen and progesterone levels declining but it is the imbalance ratio which can be attributed to symptoms.  Prolonged exposure to stress will contribute to worsening of symptoms.

It is a fact that stress can cause a great need for cortisol in the body.  Cortisol is the body's main stress hormone released from our adrenal glands and it regulates a wide range of processes in the body.

During times of stress cortisol is raised in our body and progesterone depletes as it is used to make more cortisol.  As more progesterone is shifted to make cortisol, less is available to balance the oestrogen.  This activity contributes to the imbalance of hormones.  Creating time for relaxation and self-care can help with these hormonal imbalances.