Perimenopause is a natural life event. It is a time during which the body makes the transition to the menopause marking the end of the reproductive years. It typically occurs around mid-life but can begin earlier.
Perimenopause is a gradual process and can last years. Based on her own lived experience, Yoga Therapist Sammie Mason understands that this transition can feel confusing, frustrating and generally be a time of instability. Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can trigger a range of symptoms including (but not limited to):
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Depression
- Sadness
- Stress
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- The desire to withdraw/retreat inwards
- Weight gain
- Insomnia
- Hot flashes/night sweats
- Brain fog
Other symptoms may include reduced bone density, reduced muscle tone, pelvic pain and cramps, irregular and erratic periods, joint stiffness/pain and an increased risk of higher blood pressure & cholesterol levels.
How can yoga help?
Yoga practices have an overall positive effect on the body and mind. Physical postures, breathing practices, relaxation techniques, mindfulness and meditation will not only have benefits for the muscles, joints and bones of the body but also on your organs and glands, helping to improve and maintain heart health and balancing hormones. It can also provide you with a vast array of tools and techniques to help you regulate your nervous system, helping to maintain good mental health and a sense of control. Generally speaking Yoga has shown to help reduce and better manage the common physical and mental symptoms associated with perimenopause. These symptoms tend to be interconnected, so by addressing one symptom this generally leads to better physical and mental health all round.
Aiming to support women on their menopause journey and helping to navigate this time of transition, Love Yoga London will be running a new weekly online group class from Thursday 7th September, 7:30pm – 9pm as well as 1-1 face to face sessions at ‘The Maris Practice’.
For further information or to make a booking please email our Yoga Therapist, Sammie Mason or visit her website.