PERI-MENOPAUSE AND MENOPAUSE
What are the Common Symptoms?
The most common and distressing symptoms of peri-menopause and menopause include:
Hot flushes, sweating
Sleep problems (falling asleep, staying asleep, waking early)
Anxiety, fretfulness, panicky, feeling overwhelmed
Depressed mood, feeling sad or prone to weepiness
Irritability, aggression, feeling pent up
Fatigue or exhaustion
Memory impairment, decreased focus and concentration, feeling groggy
Stubborn weight gain
Vaginal dryness, irritation or recurrent candida infections
Sexual problems
Bladder problems
Aches and pains
Headaches, including migraines
Palpitations, skipped heartbeats, chest tightness
Digestive issues such as bloating, gas
Menstrual irregularity, heavier periods, worsening PMS
Menopause transition (peri-menopause) can start from 35 years of age or so, but most women won’t notice the first subtle signs of this hormonal shift.
From around 40 years, some women will start to notice changes in the regularity of their menstrual cycles, and/or increased blood loss during periods. This progresses to more noticeable changes as periods become irregular or heavier; fatigue and stress are more common, and stubborn weight gain often becomes a concern.
At around 48-55 years the last period occurs. During this time, most women will experience one or more of the symptoms commonly associated with “menopause”. The cluster of signs and symptoms associated with this time is called “menopausal syndrome”.
When Does Menopause Occur?
A woman is officially “menopausal” 12 months or more after her final menstrual period occurred.
During the early menopausal years, some of the more common and distressing symptoms may continue to cause problems.
As time goes by, it becomes important to focus on long term health and well-being; healthy body weight, general health and well-being, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health.
What Happens During Treatment?
1. Get the Proper Diagnosis
At your first visit our experienced acupuncturist starts with a relaxed yet thorough consultation so we can understand your unique concerns, and create a course of treatment which suits you best.
We use the internationally recognised MRS mini-survey, conversation and other assessment tools to understand what needs attention immediately, and in the mid to long term.
2. Find Relief with Acupuncture
From the very first visit, our gentle acupuncturist uses this soothing and healing therapy to help reduce the number and intensity of hot flushes, to help with sleep and mood concerns, to promote deep relaxation, and to support the other therapies we provide.
3. Medicine Specifically Prepared For Your Condition
Herbs play a prominent role in healing. Herbs can be dispensed as a “off the shelf” formula or our practitioners can create a formula specifically designed for you. Our clinic has over 100 herbs to suit your specific needs. Our practitioners can modify your herbal formula as treatment progresses to ensure your medicine suits your current condition.
From time-to-time we may prescribe particular nutrients and supplements, as well as herbal medicines.
4. Walk Away With a Plan
Acupuncture is part of a holistic system of mind-body medicine, so our acupuncturist works with you to create an easy, simple plan to support you through peri-menopause and into your post-menopausal years.
As each woman is different, we understand the need for flexibility and common sense.
For most women, your plan will have an emphasis on food and nutrition; for others it will be about emotional health and well-being, good sleep and stress management.
Some women will need the help of our naturopaths to support for their entire hormonal system, particularly if there is diabetes or pre-diabetes or thyroid problems.
For women struggling with aches and pains, massage as well as acupuncture and exercise therapies will be suggested.
From your first visit, we’re here to help you get the most out of your middle years, and beyond.
Meet Our Peri-menopause and Menopause Specialist
Margi Macdonald
Margi has been a natural medicine practitioner for the past 14 years and was previously a Registered Nurse with extensive medical and surgical experience in areas such as Gynaecology, General Medicine and Cardio-Thoracics. She uses a combination of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat a large variety of medical conditions and she works with each person’s abilities and interests to enhance and support change.
| Acupuncture/TCM – Margi Macdonald | |
|---|---|
| Initial 60 minute appointment | $130.00 |
| Subsequent 60 minute appointment | $88.00 |