Menopause Harmony
Welcome to Menopause Harmony a website dedicated to holistic treatment options for the menopause. This stage in every women’s life is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years, but it can also bring about a range of physical and emotional changes that can be challenging to navigate. Hormonal changes during this time can cause symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, brain fog, vaginal dryness, achy joints and sleep disturbances, amongst many others.
While Menopausal hormone replacement therapy (MHT) is a common treatment option, many women seek alternative therapies that do not involve synthetic hormones or other pharmaceutical drugs. Holistic treatment approaches, which take into account the whole person - mind, body, and spirit - can provide a more natural and gentle way to manage menopausal symptoms.
The aim of Menopause Harmony is to provide women with information and resources on holistic treatment options. From herbal remedies and supplements to nutrition and lifestyle changes, there are a variety of natural approaches that can help women find relief from their symptoms and improve their overall well-being during this transformative time. I believe that every woman deserves to feel her best during the menopause and that a holistic approach to treatment can offer a more personalised and empowering path to optimal health.
Remember the menopause is not a disease but a natural phase in a women’s life and with every woman’s menopause journey being different their choices and needs require individualised attention.
Menopause facts
In the UK research suggests that women get very little support, advice or treatment for symptoms relating to the menopause . Many women have their symptoms incorrectly diagnosed by their own GP due to a lack of knowledge regarding the menopause and the variety of symptoms that can be experienced.
Research from the independent Nuffield Health group discovered the following facts after questioning 3275 women aged between 40 and 65.
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Approximately 13 million women in the U.K are either peri- or post menopausal
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Symptoms can last up to 15 years
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Over 60% of women experience symptoms resulting in behaviour changes
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1 in 4 women will experience severe debilitating symptoms
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Almost half of menopausal women say they feel depressed
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A third of women say they suffer with anxiety
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Women commonly complain of feeling as though they are going mad
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Approximately two thirds of women say there is a general lack of support and understanding
Despite reporting symptoms like joint and muscle ache, hot flushes, irregular periods, night sweats, mood swings and poor memory, 45% of women questioned failed to recognise they could be experiencing symptoms linked to the menopause, with just under half (42%) mistakenly believing they were too young or too old and a quarter simply putting it down to stress.
The research also suggests that despite the sheer numbers of women dealing with symptoms of hormonal changes and menopause, the subject remains taboo in the workplace. A staggering nine out of ten said they felt unable to talk to a manager or colleague at work. However, almost one in five said they have needed to take time off work and one in fifty of working age woman are on long term sick leave.
Menopause Support Package
Available in person or online
Initial Consultation
90 minutes
Discussion of health history, diet, exercise, lifestyle choices and Menopause issues.
Second Consultation
90 minutes
Food diary review.
Recommendations on diet, exercise, life style choices, supplements and complementary therapies.
Package includes digital copies of advice and recommendations.
Cost of package £195
Optional ongoing 60 minute consultations £55 per session.
Acupuncture is available as an addition to the above at £45 per session.
Exercise
When it comes to exercising most of us need a little help and the hardest part is getting started.
Remember there are so many ways we can move our bodies, and it doesn’t mean joining a gym if that’s not your thing. From putting on your trainers and going for a walk to dancing round the house or doing an online yoga class, it’s about exploring all the options and finding what you enjoy.
Nutritional supplements and Herbal formulas.
From herbal teas to black cohosh there are a range of supplements all aimed at helping to reduce unwanted symptoms of the menopause, but which ones are right for you?
By taking a full health history and discussing your symptoms I can recommend which ones may benefit you as an individual to not only ease your symptoms but nourish and support your body and mind.
Food for thought
Did you know that during the menopause declining oestrogen makes it harder to maintain a healthy weight and methods you used in the past to lose a few pounds may no longer work.
Are you also aware that your mood can be affected by your dietary choices?
By choosing the right food to support your hormones, managing your weight can be achievable and have the added benefit of calming and balancing your emotions.
Justine Louise Oliver BSc Hons., MBAcC.
I have been working as a complementary therapist for over 20 years, continually developing my professional skills leading to an Honours Degree in Acupuncture in 2009.
Since then I have undertaken post graduate training in Nutritional therapy, Classical herbal formulas and Menopause support. I am currently a member of the International Menopause Society.
My own menopause journey has had it's ups and downs, when I first started to experience hot flushes and brain fog I didn't even know I was peri-menopausal as the subject wasn't really spoken about.
Now as a post menopause woman I can understand and empathise with others who are transitioning through this new phase of their lives.
I strongly believe that having a positive mental attitude to the menopause can greatly influence a woman's experience coupled with healthy lifestyle choices.
