In today’s episode, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Toni are celebrating the 150th episode of the Perimenopausal Mamas Podcast and review their top lessons from the past 149 episodes to navigate perimenopause with more ease.
* Unpredictable changes in perimenopause is the only thing that is predictable!
* symptoms can change from month to month
* symptoms can vary and are based on your hormone fluctuations
* irregular cycles and heavy bleeding
* PMS, mood swings, depression and anxiety
* hot flashes and night sweats
* joint pain and body aches
* skin and hair changes
* weight and metabolism changes
* fatigue and brain fog
* hormones are impacted by stress, sleep and how much fun you have (or miss)
* See more info about stress and cortisol: Episode 24
* See more info about thyroid hormones: Episode 42
* See more info about sleep: Episode 73
Menopause is when you have not had a menstrual period for 12 months.
Perimenopause is the transition period before you reach menopause and can last for 4 years, 8 years or longer.
Does every woman experience the transition from perimenopause to menopause the same way?
No!
You can have one of 4 different patterns of estrogen and 3 different patterns of FSH levels, as well as different combinations of other symptoms at different stages of perimenopause.
* Acceptance and love for yourself is more important than forcing or pushing yourself
* Treat yourself like a friend instead of shoulding on yourself
* Don’t have to fight yourself or cycles and expect perfection
* Don’t have to restrict to see change - focus adding things in, not removing, to nourish yourself: joyful movement, foods you love, adding in sleep and connection
* Practice acceptance of what is and what isn’t
* RAIN meditation by Tara Brach - https://www.tarabrach.com/
* Perimenopause can be a positive time for reawakening and reconnecting with yourself
* Focus on your needs, priorities and boundaries
* Recognize the different phases you can experience with cyclical living and the 4 different Relationship Seasons - see Episode 82
* Coping
* Coasting
* Connected
* Confident
* Practicing being mindful and conscious
* Scheduling time to relax
* Recognize that you can change your emotional state
* See