In the April and June issues of The Breeze, we explored the beginning of a journey that affects every woman—the transition into menopause. Refer to parts one and two by going to https://lakeanna.online/category/health.

Never fear, the adrenals are here!

Progesterone is primarily produced in the ovaries – until after menopause. At that time most of our progesterone is being produced in our adrenal glands.

But there is another hormone produced in our adrenal glands as well – cortisol. Cortisol is our stress hormone. This is the hormone that is released in response to physical and emotional stress. Cortisol sends the message out to the body that we are in danger.

This all works so delightfully well – unless… we are constantly stressed, constantly telling our body we are in danger! When we have too much cortisol production, our progesterone production is suppressed. Thereby causing our already low progesterone levels to be even lower.

So why do we need progesterone?

Progesterone is not only for having healthy menstrual cycles and pregnancies. It is also needed for good bone health and mood. Progesterone acts as a natural antidepressant. Two vital needs menopausal women have, I am sure you would agree.

If you are now feeling defeated because you find it impossible to control all the stress coming your way every day, don’t worry! Just keep reading!

What happens to the body during stress?

It is all about what we are communicating to your body. When we are in “fight or flight” (sympathetic stress mode) our body doesn’t know why. It just knows we are in danger and it will do everything in its power to help us survive. Our focus and alertness will increase. Our breathing speeds up and becomes more shallow. Our heart rate increases. Our digestion and our reproductive function slow down. Afterall, now is not the time to eat or have babies!

This is meant to be for temporary, short spans of time.

But when we are in “rest and digest” (parasympathetic mode) our body is able to rest and heal. Our muscles relax. Our breathing slows and we can breathe deeply. Our digestion and reproduction function returns to normal. Our heart rate returns to normal.

When our cortisol hormones are released into the body to warn of danger, it is a good thing. This is how our body was designed to work.

But when our body is constantly in this state, and when cortisol hormones are constantly being sent out into the body and our progesterone is suppressed, our body is out of balance. Our hormones are out of balance. We become exhausted and even our adrenal glands don’t function optimally. This is not how our body was designed to function all the time.

How to take charge of your stress

Remember I said, “it’s all about what you are communicating to your body”. This is the key to taking charge of your stress. Here are some ways to communicate to your body that “all is well” and “It’s okay to rest”.

Control your mind. What are you thinking about? How can you reframe your thoughts? For example, rather than thinking, “I only have 2 hours to get this done”. Try saying to yourself, “I have 2 whole hours to get this done. I can do this!”. Sounds silly but I promise you it can be so powerful. Pay attention as well to what you are ruminating on. What are you repeating over and over in your mind that is causing you to feel stressed?

Box Breathing. There are many breathing techniques. I like this one because it is easy and I can do it anywhere. This is effective because when you breathe deeply you are communicating to your body that you are not stressed. There is a physiological effect. You simply do this by breathing in through your nose to the count of 4, hold for 4 counts, breath out of your mouth to the count of 4, hold for 4 counts. Repeat as many times as you need. You can also experiment with holding for longer counts.

Epsom Salts baths. Epsom salts (magnesium) will be absorbed through your skin. Magnesium relaxes your muscles.

Make time for play, hobbies, sex, sleep and relaxation. What brings you joy? Do that!

Say “no” more often. Your health and your peace are important. Not just to you but to your family as well.
Stress can come from unexpected sources. I am talking about the food we eat and the toxins we expose ourselves to. We may not perceive these things as stress. But our body does. When our body has to work harder to detoxify from toxins in our food, in our skin care, in our cleaning products, it can take a toll. And it makes a difference in how we feel and how healthy our body can be. Especially as we get older and we have been exposing our body to these things for a very long time.

As you consider ways to ease discomfort from perimenopause and menopause, I encourage you to also look at your diet and products you use on a daily basis.

Can you eat a more clean diet? Are you getting vegetables and fruit into your diet every day? Are you getting healthy fats in the form of nuts, seeds and healthy oils such as olive oil or coconut oil? How about clean protein? Can you eat more organic meats that do not have added hormones? All of these things are important for feeling your best.

My hope for you is that you feel great and enjoy these years as your body does what it does naturally – change.

If you have any questions or want support, feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Dawn Mills

Dawn is an AFMC (Applied Functional Medicine Certified) Practitioner (https://afmccertification.com/)

She resides in Virginia and enjoys spending time with her 4 grown children and 13 grandchildren. Personal health challenges started her on a journey that led her to this field of study and ultimately coaching other people in addressing their own health challenges.  She applies the principles of Functional Medicine, finding the root cause of a disease dynamic, to her coaching, educating her clients and helping them make the lifestyle changes necessary for  addressing issues such as autoimmune disease, insulin resistance, hormone imbalance, gut health, and infertility. 

Dawn provides one-on-one coaching, coaching groups and classes.

Feel free to reach out with questions –  [email protected]