Perimenopause and Menopause - an Ayurvedic perspective

The balance of nature.

I have noticed many articles and post regarding how to handle perimenopause and menopuase lately. I want to give you an Ayurvedic perspective.

Ayurveda offers a somewhat contrary explanation. Yes, there is a shift in our hormones, which can cause various symptoms that many are familiar with. I'm not going to go into the details, as the majority of you know the symptoms, and they are easy to look up. Well, if you recall the essence of Ayurveda which is to balance the doshas. The reality of symptoms from perimenopause and menopause is that the body is meant to go through these changes. If the body, the doshas, are in balance then there aren't any big symptoms. It's actually quite simple - only bodies that are not in balance will have symptoms. Before you stop reading and think it isn't possible, I have met numerous women who have had zero symptoms transitioning into menopause. Their doshas were simply more in balance.

Easily stated, but it takes effort to maintain balance in the doshas. However, frequently the longer the doshas and srotas have been out of balance, the more work it is to find balance. It is part of why when there are menstrual issues younger, it is important to remedy them as soon as possible. No matter what your history though, you can prevent and reverse the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.

One of the largest principles of Ayurveda is that everyone is different and needs different things, so it is tricky for me to offer recommendations that will be true to what you need. It Depends. Regardless, I will offer some recommendations you can start doing, or reflecting on, to help your current symptoms or prevent symptoms from occurring. :) We know that symptoms from perimenopause ane menopause stem from Pitta and Vata imbalances, so we start there. It is also why symptoms are more common in individuals who have had regular or chronic Pitta Vata vikruti's throughout their lifetime. Some of these are easy, and some of them you might fight a lot. Please remember that like attracts like leading to imbalance whereas opposites attract to find balance. Sometimes we have to do the oppositve of what we want to do, and are most drawn to, in order to find balance.

• Stress: Yes, I know you have heard this, but Mind Care is Life Care. The more you manage your stressors, the less your doshas get out of balance.

• Lessen or avoid spicy foods (especially if there are hot flashes, or you tend to being overly hot, or if you have a tendency to have hot flashes or flushes with stress): hot sauce, cayenne peppers, jalapeno's, etc.

• Lessen or avoid alcohol: Alcohol aggravates both Pitta and Vata

• Lessen or avoid caffeine

• Ginger may not be the best for you. If you really want it, perhaps stick with dry ginger over fresh.

• Lessen or avoid cold and raw food.

  • Raw carrots if chewn to mush can be beneficial for some individuals.

• Lessen or avoid over-exercise: Movement is important, but our society encourages more than we need.*Keep a look out for my guidebook to be published as it contains information on how to find balance if you are an endurance athlete or needing to train long and hard.

• Regular self-abhyanga with the appropriate oil for you. Plain oil (sesame or coconut can work depending on your doshas). However, Dhanwantharam, Ksheerabala, and Mahanarayan oil can be excellent to incorporate into your routine - especially in areas of pain or instability.

Some information regarding what you may have heard.

You may have heard....

• that Satavari is great for perimenopause and menopause

Reality: Yes, it can help a lot. However, Satavari really should only be taken during perimenopause or early menopause. Additionally, Satavari should not be taken until ama is cleared and agni is balanced (thus the need to be under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor). Also, Satavari is from a root. It needs to be cooked for the medicinal components, thus if you are purchasing a supplement, please make sure it is a reputable source as herbs are not regulated. If you have the satavari root, you can make a tea out of it by boiling 2-4 tbsp of satavari root in 4 cups of water for 15-20 minutes.

• that Ashwagandha is great for permenopause and menopause

Reality: Perhaps, perhaps not. It depends (the infamous Ayurvedic answer). However, Ashwagandha can increase Pitta and can actually exacerbate some of those perimenopause and menopause symptoms. So, once again, please see an Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor.

If you want to reverse your symptoms, or enter without symptoms, feel free to reach out for more information!