t. 01252 715933

e. info@ebbflowfarnham.co.uk

Ebb & Flow - Yoga, Pilates, Barre & Reformer Studio in Farnham

t. 01252 715933

e. info@ebbflowfarnham.co.uk

Creating balance in perimenopause…

Did you know that as your ovaries start their journey towards menopause, your adrenal glands take over some of their roles?

The adrenal glands are endocrine organs that sit on top of our kidneys and produce a variety of hormones that have a strong influence on many aspects of our health and wellbeing.

As we know, perimenopause is the phase in our life leading to menopause. It can start as early as in our 30s and can last up to 10 – 15 years! In this period, changes in our ovarian function can lead to significant hormonal fluctuation, not just intracycle but also in between cycles.

Despite regular periods, there can be months where ovulation does not occur, exacerbating an oestrogen dominant picture, where high oestrogen level is unopposed by progesterone. Or there can be months where oestrogen level is low, especially as we move closer to menopause.

 

What have our adrenal glands got to do with this?

They can partially compensate for changes in our ovarian function by making precursor hormones for the secondary production of oestrogen, testosterone and progesterone.

But there is a catch!

Have you ever heard of the fight or flight response? Yes, the primary role of our adrenal glands is to help us deal with stress through the production of adrenaline, noradrenalin and cortisol, so too much stress will inhibit their ability to support our ovaries. It therefore goes without saying that supporting our adrenals is paramount – and in this period of our life, even more so!

 

How can we love and cherish our adrenal glands?

Here are few tips:

  • Balance your diet: ensure any of your meals is rich in high quality proteins and colourful vegetables and fruit. Don’t fear good, healthy fats and don’t forget fibre. Reduce refined and processed foods, they are empty calories aside from causing inflammation.
  • Exercise: introduce a restorative yoga practice into your routine, or Pilates, or maybe a brisk walk with a friend. Exercise is key but balance is a must. Too much cardio can lead to increased cortisol production, further impacting a situation of adrenal dysfunction.
  • Love yourself: self-care is essential. Bring yourself to be peaceful and calm in this hectic world we live in and allow yourself permission to relax. Maybe have a warm bath, get lost in a book, or meditate.
  • Sleep well and enough: and if it is not always possible, rest. Don’t get frustrated by the changing sleeping patterns, it will make them worse. Rosemary oil is my forever favourite to bring my mind back to sleep. Maybe lavender oil or a soothing herbal tea could work for you?
  • Don’t forget to address the triggers: maybe there is something you can change to ensure you can manage your stress level? Stress is not always bad when we know how to balance ambition, means and goals (eustress), without falling into distress or chronic stress.

A holistic approach is essential when seeking health and wellbeing. The best outcome can only come from a combination of nutrition and lifestyle changes and as you can see, balance in all aspects is key.

Nutritional Therapy

As a Registered Nutritional Therapist, Angela supports women who struggle with hormonal and mood imbalances, fatigue, weight gain or digestive issues, whether it is due to perimenopause, menopause or other conditions. She empowers them to make the right dietary and lifestyle changes to transform their future and feel great again.

If you dream about having more energy, a stable mood, sharper brain function, deep and restful sleep, comfortable digestion without bloating, manageable PMS and being able to manage your weight, aches and pains – you’re in the right place!

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