The menopause is a natural phase in a menstruators (people who have periods) life, and often arrives accompanied by a mix of physical and emotional changes. It marks the end of menstruation and typically occurs around the age of 45 to 55, bringing with it a myriad of symptoms that can hugely affect and impact daily life.
From hot flushes to mood swings, this transition can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster ride through uncharted territory, and can often feel lonely and hopeless without the right support.
Understanding Hormones and Mental Health
Symptoms attributed to the menopause include:
Anxious thought patterns
Mood swings
Aches and joint pains
Loss and change in libido
Weight gain and fluctuation
Change in sleep patterns and insomnia
People often do not directly attribute these symptoms to the menopause, and it is not until they start to experience the more physical symptoms like night sweats and hot flushes that they may decide to seek support.
In the perimenopause two-thirds of mentruators may also have difficulty concentrating with memory and experience things such as low self-esteem and self-doubt.
Did you Know? The perimenopause (“around menopause") refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, can last for up to ten years.
Estrogen, known for its role in regulating the menstrual cycle, affects serotonin and other neurotransmitters (“feel-good” chemicals) in the brain. Serotonin, often referred to as the "happy" hormone, plays a crucial role in mood regulation and stability. Therefore, as estrogen levels decline during menopause, it can lead to imbalances in these neurotransmitters, contributing to mood swings, anxiety, stress and depression.
Progesterone, another hormone that declines during menopause, can also influence mood and contribute to feelings of irritability and unease. These hormonal shifts can create what is commonly known as the "menopausal blues," affecting a menstruator's mental well-being during this phase.
Enter Hypnotherapy: A Holistic Approach
While the menopause journey is unique to each individual, seeking support during this transition is crucial. Amidst the various treatments available, hypnotherapy emerges as a holistic approach that can provide relief and support for menopausal symptoms, particularly concerning mental health and emotional regulation (the ability to respond to the ongoing demands of experience with the range of emotions).
Hypnotherapy is an approach that involves guided relaxation, visualisation, and mindfulness techniques in order to achieve a heightened state of awareness, often referred to as the trance state. Through this process, individuals can access their subconscious mind, aiding in managing mental and physical symptoms associated with the menopause.
How Hypnotherapy Can Help
Stress Reduction: Hypnotherapy techniques can assist in reducing stress and anxiety levels, offering a sense of calm and relaxation amidst the turbulent hormonal changes.
Managing Hot Flushes: By utilising hypnotic suggestions, individuals have reported a reduction in the frequency and severity of hot flushes, as well as providing a sense of agency in the whole transition process.
Addressing Emotional Challenges: Hypnotherapy sessions can target emotional distress by promoting new focuses and new ways of thinking, enhancing emotional resilience, and addressing specific concerns like mood swings or feelings of hoplessness.
Enhancing Sleep Quality: Sleep disturbances are prevalent during the menopause. Hypnotherapy may aid in improving sleep quality and by facilitating a more restful night and balanced sleep patterns.
Embracing Support and Empowerment
In conclusion, the menopause journey is a transformative phase that can be met with grace and resilience. Understanding the role of hormones, acknowledging the impact on mental health, and exploring holistic approaches like hypnotherapy can empower individuals to navigate this transition with greater ease and well-being.
If you are interested in exploring how Hypnotherapy could help support you, contact me today to find out more and to book in for your Free Initial Consultation: lucy.collins@groundedchoicehypnotherapy.com
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