Signs and Symptoms of Abnormal Menopause: A Focus on Your Adrenals (Part 2)
It all starts with the perimenopause stage. Menstruation starts to become irregular, and the symptoms of “menopause” may begin. As long as there is a period, ovulation may still be occurring. Once there has been a cessation of menstruation for 12 months, the perimenopause stage is complete and the menopause stage has begun. Symptoms can still occur during the menopause stage.
Irregular Periods: They can be longer or shorter than what was experienced throughout adult life, and they may not show signs of consistency; one month may be longer than normal and the next may be shorter. Many women have experienced period irregularities and may not notice the change. Or periods can become more of an issue with excessive bleeding, especially if fibroids are present. Every woman will have a different experience depending on many factors. Eventually, menstruation starts to become more infrequent and often monthly symptoms like PMS are less severe. Unfortunately, new symptoms may appear.
Hot Flashes: A hot flash is an increased sensation of warmth or heat and can include sweating. It often comes on suddenly and can include symptoms such as warm skin, tingling in the fingers, faster heartbeat, flushed or red face, and of course, sweating – sometimes profuse. Hot flashes are an adrenal issue, and stress and anxiety are a frequent trigger. Alcohol, smoking, caffeine and spicy foods can also trigger a hot flash. They can last from 30 seconds to 10 minutes. Applying an ice pack or drinking ice water may provide some relief, but the key is to prevent them altogether. Balancing hormones with a focus on managing stress and supporting the adrenal glands is the key.
Sleep Issues: During the transition from perimenopause to post menopause and beyond, many women have trouble getting a good night’s sleep. They have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. Some women find themselves waking up at 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning and then are unable to fall back to sleep.They may also experience hot flashes in the middle of the night. All of these symptoms indicate an adrenal problem.
The adrenals control the production of our “awake” hormone cortisol. Cortisol is supposed to decrease steadily in the evening so that we can easily fall asleep. If there is too much cortisol, we don’t sleep. Normally, we secrete ACTH, a hormone produced in the pituitary to prepare the adrenals to release cortisol in the morning when we wake up. However, when the adrenals aren’t functioning properly, the cortisol can start pumping immediately, which means sleep isn’t going to happen for the rest of the night.
It can help to develop a relaxation strategy, go to bed at the same time every night, and support adrenal function.
Vaginal Dryness: A decrease in estrogen can also cause a decrease in lubrication and blood flow, which can make sexual intercourse difficult. The adrenals are now responsible for producing a sufficient amount of estrogen in order to prevent this.
Mood Swings: Many women find they become angry more easily and often feel irritated during this time. Depression is another symptom. Reduced hormone levels can affect the brain, especially the areas that control emotions. The nervous system can also be more agitated, especially if stress levels are high and blood sugar levels fluctuate up and down. Supporting the adrenals, reducing stress, and stabilizing blood sugar levels by eating whole foods and eating regularly all help.
Joint and Muscle Pains: Hormones help maintain joint health and muscle function so it’s quite common for women to feel more aches and pains. It can be beneficial to balance hormones and exercise regularly, especially stretching and range of motion exercises.
Memory Problems: This may be the most difficult symptom. There is a link between estrogen receptors in the brain and memory issues. Many women feel like their brain is foggy and their focus and concentration isn’t what it once was. Sleep issues can play a role with memory issues. Focus on adrenal support, relaxation techniques, and low intensity aerobic exercises.
Health Problems Related to Menopause
Osteoporosis: Estrogen is a key player in maintaining bone health. Too little estrogen leads to bone loss. It’s the adrenal glands that are responsible for producing the correct amount of estrogen needed for bone health. Progesterone helps with bone building as well, and the adrenals and stress again affect the levels of progesterone needed for proper bone health.
Heart Health: Women in menopause are at greater risk for heart-related issues. It’s believed that estrogen helps keep artery walls flexible and prevents the hardening of the arteries. If the adrenals are functioning properly, you will have the amount of estrogen needed for a healthy heart. Again, this is dependent on stress levels.
What About Testosterone?
During menopause, a woman’s normal level of testosterone may also decline. There is a relationship between testosterone and estrogen, and it’s believed that testosterone is needed to support estrogen levels and can contribute to maintaining bone health. Testosterone is also needed for libido and maintaining muscle mass. The adrenals are responsible for helping maintain healthy testosterone levels during this time.
Adaptogenic herbs, like ashwagandha, reishi, maca, and rhodiola are very good for adrenal health. However, the adrenals need more than nutrients to be healthy. Gut work is essential for adrenal health. Blood sugar must be stabilized and the liver needs support also. But the most important way to support the adrenals, and the hardest to do, is stress management. I can help you with your adrenal support through my 12-week program, one-on-one coaching, or consultations.
My goal is to help you through menopause or any other health challenges. As a Registered Nutrition Therapist, I am dedicated to helping clients with their health journey.
Don’t miss part 1 of this series: Understanding Hormones in Menopause: What You Need to Know.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at info@nancyleehall.com
