We’re coming to the end of the scary season, but not all the frights will be gone come Friday morning. Some of you will still feel like you’ve been body-snatched or possessed by an evil spirit. Maybe it was an alien abduction, or a doppelganger has replaced you.
It’s actually something much more common and far less supernatural. It’s perimenopause.
Let’s not beat around the proverbial bush. For some women, perimenopause is a real b-i-t-c-h. It can feel like a light switch. One day, you’re fine, cruising along, and the next day, you can’t sleep, you’re burning up from the inside out, you feel like a praying mantis about to devour and decapitate the love of your life!
What is happening!?!?!
The signs can be so confusing, and even though your birth certificate says you are now over 40, you’ve been feeling a solid 28, bold, confident, and beautiful, so menopause isn’t even on your radar. The truth is anyone who was born with a uterus will go through this transition. Some will have worsening symptoms, and others move through, barely noticing. Every person is different, which is one reason it can be difficult to figure out what’s happening.
What are some symptoms of perimenopause? Common symptoms include hot flashes, irregular menstrual bleeding, night sweats, palpitations, irritability, weight gain, brain fog, fatigue, vaginal dryness, and decreased libido. These are the most common symptoms, but I am still surprised when I talk to my clients, who tell me about the big and little things that improve once we have achieved hormonal balance.
The most distressing thing for many women is that they do not feel like themselves. They have become a stranger to themselves. I am here to tell you that you are not crazy, and you don’t have to just endure it and hope it gets better. This is not the new normal.
There are safe treatments that include bio-identical hormone therapy, diet, exercise, and botanical supplements. If you are worried because you have a personal or family history of cancer, that does not necessarily exclude you. If you are unsure if you are a good candidate, we can help! If you already work with a clinician you trust, ask them. If your trusted primary care or OBGYN doc looks at you funny or gives you an answer like, “We don’t pathologize menopause,” and you feel like you’ve reached a dead end with no information, no help, and no relief, don’t despair. I’m not here to defend the bad behavior of doctors or other healthcare members who have been dismissive or patronizing. But in the case of hormones, it’s possible they were not taught the truth about hormones or taught anything at all, for that matter.
If this is you, don’t worry. That is exactly why I created Hummingbird Healthcare. It is a space where you feel welcomed, heard, and know that we rise to the challenge to meet you where you are. We use multiple modalities to achieve results, so if you still feel leery about the idea of taking hormones, we can partner with you to find the relief you are looking for.
Every day we have is precious, so don’t waste another one feeling like a strange creature from a scary black-and-white monster movie! Book an appointment with Hummingbird Healthcare today. We can help you be the person you want to be again!
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