Perimenopause Webinar with Leisa Blanch.

Learn to navigate perimenopause with the knowledge of naturopath and director of Gisborne Health Essentials Leisa Blanch. In this presentation Leisa will answer questions surrounding perimenopause along with natural approaches.

1. Navigating Perimenopause By Naturopath Leisa Blanch
www.healthboutique.com.au | @gisbornehealthessentials
Navigating
Perimenopause
Transition with Knowledge and Awareness

2. What is Perimenopause?
A natural phase marking the transition to menopause.
Begins with irregular menstrual cycles due to declining ovarian
function.
Ends one year after the last menstrual period.
Typically occurs in a woman’s 40s but can start earlier, especially
during stress.
Average duration: 4 to 6 years, but can last 1 to 10 years.02.

3. What is Menopause?
The point at which a woman has not had a period for 12
consecutive months.
Marks the end of reproductive life.
Average age of onset in Australia: 51.
Menopause is often referred to as "the change of life."03.

4. Stages of Perimenopause
Early Stage
Late Stage
04.
Navigating Perimenopause @gisbornehealthessentials
Occasional skipped cycles.
Greater menstrual irregularity;
amenorrhea lasting over 60 days and
up to 12 months.

5. Navigating Perimenopause @gisbornehealthessentials
How Does Perimenopause/Menopause Affect
the Brain & Body?
05.

6. Neurological Changes in Perimenopause
It’s a neurological recalibration/evolutionary mismatch and much
research is currently underway to understand how this transition
impacts women’s brains.
Its also seen as the ‘second puberty’.
Decline in oestrogen sets off a cascade of events, including
impacts to glucose regulation.
Potential for myelin cannibalisation in the brain, affecting cognitive
function if glucose levels aren’t sufficient
Decrease in progesterone reduces GABA tone, affecting relaxation
and increasing stress.
The brain is literally rewiring itself.06.

7. Hormonal and Physiological Changes
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly with oestrogen and
progesterone.
Hot flushes, night sweats due to changes in hypothalamic
temperature regulation.
Mood swings, sleep disturbances from neurotransmitter
dysregulation.
Vaginal dryness, decreased libido from declining oestrogen levels.
Weight gain and memory issues are also common.07.

8. Activation of mast cells in
response to high estrogen
levels, leading to thinning of
bloods hence heavier
periods.
Alcohol exacerbates liver
function, spiking oestrogen
levels, and increasing
histamine release.
Beyond the Brain:
Before oestrogen declines, it increases.
08.

9. Common Symptoms of Perimenopause
Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Hot Flushes/changes in hypothalamus regulation
Night Sweats as body’s cooling mechanism is triggered due to
hypersensitivity
Mood Swings
Sleep Disturbances
Fatigue
Vaginal Dryness
Decreased Libido
Weight Gain
Memory Issues10.

10. Common Symptoms of Menopause
Previous slide of perimenopausal symptoms plus;
Urinary Incontinence
Bone Loss (Osteoporosis)
Heart Palpitations
Joint Pain11.

11. Navigating Perimenopause @gisbornehealthessentials
What are Phytoestrogenic Foods?
11.
Plant-derived compounds with oestrogen-like effects.
Soy products, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, legumes, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

12. Benefits of Phytoestrogens During
Menopause
Hot Flushes & Night Sweats: May help reduce frequency and
severity.
Vaginal Dryness: Supports vaginal health.
Bone Health: Helps maintain bone density.
Mood & Emotional Well-being: May reduce mood swings and
support mental health.
Heart Health: Promotes healthy cholesterol levels and reduces
inflammation.12.

13. The brain and body can adjust or recalibrate for:
Metabolism to be better at burning fat
Hormone sensitivity
Convert androgens to oestrogen
Stress response via neurotransmitters rather than progesterone
Brain and Body Recalibration13.
Lowering inflammation allows the body to organise and cope better
with changes.
The drop in progesterone during menopause requires recalibration.
Women today face more challenges like anxiety due to societal
pressures.
Genuine stress can arise from caffeine, physical stress, or
perceived pressure.

14. Oestrogen and
progesterone influence
mood regulation, sleep and
decreased stress buffering
due to progesterone.
Weight gain can occur as
the body seeks new
storage for oestrogen and
muscle mass decreases.
Hormonal Changes and Their Impact
14
Vaginal dryness and
decreased libido are
common with declining
oestrogen levels.
Due to the above, rediscovering your identity during perimenopause is crucial.
Prioritising sleep, nature walks, and creative activities can help stabilise emotions
and health.

15. Women today have it all, but it can lead to stress, also loss of
identity.
Learn to say "no" and prioritise what you need and want.
Men are often more settled because they take on less - what can
we learn from this?
Rediscover activities that make you happy and co-create a fulfilling
life.
Again, walking in nature, being present, plus disconnecting from
technology are essential for recalibration…..What do we tell our kids
to do? :)
Balancing Life During Perimenopause16.

16. Switch off from stressors.
Mind-body relaxation techniques can help, including with hot
flushes.
Balance blood sugar to reduce overall symptoms and improve
mood.
Incorporate healthy fats, protein, fibre, and phytoestrogens into
your diet.
Remove and assess anything putting pressure on your liver, blood
sugar.
Prioritise support during perimenopause and menopause.
Stress Management and Nutrition17.

17. 18. Perimenopause and menopause involve
complex changes that affect physical,
emotional, and mental health.
Understanding these changes and
incorporating what you need, can help
manage symptoms and promote well-being.
Embrace this life phase.
Navigating the
Transition

18. Need More Support?
Our team of naturopaths are here to support you
individually on your journey throughout
perimenopause and beyond. With many tools at
our disposal we can help make this transition
smooth and get you feeling your best.
To find out more or book online at healthboutique.com.au,
visit our team or give us a call on 03 5428 4484