Over the past few years there has been a gathering momentum towards helping women who have been suffering silence for many years from menopausal symptoms and problems.  During my journey I have found that the Bach Flower Remedies have helped me hugely and as a practitioner I have been able to discuss these with my clients to great success.

Where did it start?

I began my menopause journey when I was 33, having had several operations for ovarian cysts it was agreed that a hysterectomy for me was the best solution, however this was done in two halves and they didn’t want to remove my ovaries too soon!!  They ended up taking them out exactly a year after everything else.

So, I was plunged into immediate menopause – of course, none of which had been discussed with me and as a single mum of a 4 year old at the time and the internet wasn’t there to help us – this was 30 plus years ago, I didn’t know a huge amount about.  HRT was offered and accepted and thankfully within a few weeks all was ok and I was feeling absolutely fine – no pain so that was a huge bonus – having had pain every month that was crippling.

What no one knew was that in 6 months I would be diagnosed with breast lumps and then breast cancer and the HRT was withdrawn!!  So now what?

No one had any idea what to suggest or what one should do, the most important thing was that I wasn’t on HRT and the breast cancer was not more severe than it was.  At the time I was ill, it was very much a case of do what I could to survive and gradually get together information as to how I could rid myself of the hot flushes which were particularly debilitating.

How did I find the answers?

My solutions were initially found courtesy of Holland Barret who were able to provide me with a selection of supplements, these were a start which enabled me to pull life together, and as I was still a single working mum with a mortgage to pay – we needed to keep things going.  Then someone suggested a Chinese herbalist who they knew and thankfully lived near to where I was.  Well, aside the smell and taste these herbs were an answer sent from heaven, I had often heard my mother say that if a medicine didn’t taste nice it often indicated that it would do you good!!  I am not sure about that across the board, but these remedies certainly helped me for many years until sadly the lady returned to China and I lost my source of supply.

I then was starting to work in the holistic field and had by now met my now husband David and we have moved to the Chichester area and the internet was also providing a source of information as well.  I had reflexology for many months which also helped me manage my symptoms, it helped me feel calmer and easier and more comfortable. I found that if I was able to relax with the treatments then I would generally feel better.

Can you do Menopause HRT?

First and foremost, if you are looking to avoid HRT I would suggest you look at the supplements that are important to you, Black Cohosh is renowned for helping with hot flushes but give it time to work. One month will not be sufficient. Find yourself a good supply of Fish Oil – either through a diet of oily fish 9 at least 3 portions per week, or through supplement – linseed can also help as well. Look at your levels of Vitamin D as well as these can help hugely with bone density but take advice from your GP as well to avoid other complications.

In my opinion it is personal whether you take HRT or not, but look at all the options.  30 years ago when I was facing this decision there were few options in my situation.

What Remedies helped me and could help you?

I then started my work with the Bach Flower Remedies and during the time in which I trained to become a Practitioner I had a course of remedies to help me to understand them more. The remedies that I found most useful are detailed below:-

Walnut – is our key remedy to help with your way through the menopausal time, this remedy will help protect you from the emotional feelings that this period produces, it is a great leveller and will protect your emotions from outside influences.

Impatiens – very often the menopause can cause huge frustration and irritation within you – little things created within the family home can become mountains and result in major upset – Impatiens will free you from this.

Clematis – has also proved to be useful to help reduce the brain fog – to provide clarity within your day to day life.

Holly – the anger that can often occur and results from menopausal symptoms – holly will allow you to maintain a calm and peaceful attitude and generally feel much better about all going on around you.

Star of Bethlehem – this is a remedy for shock or trauma and is very useful where the menopause is early in life and for some women it can leave them feeling devastated and this beautiful remedy can just simply restore your sense of calm.

Mimulus – fear of the known – this may seem odd but if you are struggling to come to terms with your diagnosis, some women actually resent it and they are frightened as it signals to them old age and they find this very difficult to manage. Here Mimulus is a hugely beneficial remedy – to help you find the courage to move forward and face this new phase in your life.

Larch – a remedy for confidence – some women find that this time reduces them to complete emotional wrecks, this beautiful remedy is there for you to restore your self-esteem and allow you accept the fact that you can do all that you need and want to do.

How will you feel?

These remedies will all help you feel better and ease the symptoms you may be feeling.

If you are looking for alternative help with perimenopause or menopausal symptoms then please seek professional help and if you would like to discuss the remedies we can always have a chat.