Journey Through Menopause Course

Purpose: To provide information and tools to assist the health care

professional in looking at the process of menopause from an

integrated, whole person perspective.

Goal: Apply information about how the myriad factors of menopause will be applied in client/caregiver interactions. Learning Outcome: Learners will be able to formulate an action plan for menopause education in a client-based setting or for personal use.

The Five Aspects of Whole Health

Journey Through Menopause

1. Physical – When production of sex hormones (androgens) ceases

at the onset of menopause, critical body systems (adrenals and

endocrine glands) can become taxed in overcompensating for

decreased ovarian activity.

2. Emotional/Mental – As androgens decrease the limbic or

unconscious brain becomes dominant, which can lead to the

resurfacing of unresolved emotions. Hormones act as inhibitors of

unconscious emotion; as they diminish the unconscious is made

more prevalent, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and

other mental health issues.

3. Nutritional/Chemical – As nutritional and dietary needs change

with decreasing hormones, overconsumption of food and alcohol

can place stress on the body. Specific nutritional needs increase.

4. Environmental – Stressful home life, workplace, relationships,

financial instability, poor air and water quality, and other factors

can amplify the stress effects of menopause.

5. Spiritual/Worldview – The shift into menopause can generate a

range of emotions, including hopelessness which can lead to

premature death (the highest rate being in women ages 55 – 77).

Journey Through Menopause – Georgianna Donadio, D.C., MSc., PhD.

List of Educational Objec-tives

Related video and handout content which learner needs to reflect their understanding of

in their course assignment response

1. Describe the role of brain function and chemistry in men-opause.

I. Androgenes (Sex hormones) A. From birth to 7/8 years, brain

function/consciousness is consistently in ”Alpha” and ”Theta” states (associated with the Lower/Reptilian portion of the brain) due to lack of sex hormone production

B. 7 – 13 years Pre-adolesence; pineal and pitutiary glands begin to produce androgenes starting the process of puberty, increasing cognitive function and activity (Cortical brain)

C. Once hormone production ceases during menopause the influence of the Cortical brain diminishes, as the Reptilian brain (seat of the unconscious mind) reasserts dominance, which can manifest as depression and other emotional issues.

2. Explain the effect of the en-docrine/adrenal systems on menopausal processes.

II. Endocrine/Adrenal Integrity

A. If already overtaxed from physical, emotional, environmental, and other demands, the adrenal and endocrine systems can become further bur-dened when compensated for decreased ovar-ian activity with the onset of menopause.

B. This can lead to many issues, including death (rate is highest in women from ages 55 – 67).

Journey Through Menopause – Georgianna Donadio, D.C., MSc., PhD.

3. Discuss the relationship be-tween depression and meno-pause. 4. Address the different stressors which can amplify the experience of menopause. 5. Discuss how healthy lifestyle choices can diminish the ad-renal/endocrine response to menopause and enhance health/longevity.

III. Realization of Unconscious Emotional Pat-terns/Traumas

A. As hormone production ceases with age,

cortical brain influence diminishes. B. The conscious mind, and its focus on objec-

tive life, gives way to unresolved or sup-pressed emotional issues in the uncon-scious mind, which can lead to anxiety, de-pression, and other mental health concerns.

IV. Stressors

A. Changes in hormone production (HPA – Axis)

B. Unresolved or unconscious emotional wounds (depression, anxiety, etc.).

C. Overeating, which can tax aging body systems.

D. Changing nutritional and dietary needs with age.

E. Stressful environment (home, work, relationship, etc.)

V. Lifestyle

A. Cutting down food portions – 1,200 calorie diet.

B. Adjusting nutritional/dietary intake to ac-count for changing hormone levels.

C. Stay active with moderate exercise. D. Cultivate a low stress, harmonious environ-

ment. E. Addressing unresolved emotional wounds.

The Psychophysiology of

Menopause

Presentation by

Georgianna Donadio MSc, PhD

www.niwh.org

Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/menopause

Menopause What Is Menopause?

Menopause is the transitional period in a woman's life when her ovaries start

producing less of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. Menopause is

declared when a woman ceases to have a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months,

marking the end of her reproductive years. A woman who has her ovaries

surgically removed immediately enters menopause.

Natural menopause is a gradual process, beginning with perimenopause, or

premenopause, usually starting in a woman's 40s or even 30s. Perimenopause can last

up to 10 years, as the menstrual cycle tapers off and menopausal symptoms such as

hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings may begin.

Other physical and psychological changes that may occur throughout menopause and

the postmenopausal years include irregular heartbeat, headaches, insomnia,

irritability, depression, and anxiety, along with cognitive symptoms like forgetfulness.

Menopause is also associated with problems such as vaginal dryness, painful sexual

intercourse, urine leakage, and joint pain.

How Many Years Do Hot Flashes Last?

There's Nothing Wrong With a Low Sex Drive

How Sex Improves After 50

The Evolutionary Logic of Menopause

How to Treat Hot Flashes

Eventually, vasomotor symptoms of menopause like hot flashes will abate but there are

treatments and strategies that offer some relief. Lifestyle practices, such as regular

exercise, maintaining a cool core body temperature, and paced breathing (six to eight

breaths per minute, for 15 minutes, twice a day at the onset of hot flashes) can be

effective for some women. Short term use of nonprescription remedies like black cohosh

and isoflavones from soy foods or supplements may help others. Hormone therapy and

non-hormonal medications are available by prescription for severe and disruptive

symptoms.

CONNECTED TOPICS

Aging, Hormones

Essential Reads

23 Tips for Menopause and Empowerment By Andrea F. Polard Psy.D. on November 30, 2019 in A Unified Theory of Happiness

Menopause is a downer, unless you know how to manage your symptoms during the

transformation and understand what beauty and strength come after it.

Telling the Story Numbers Can't By Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on November 07, 2019 in Insight Therapy

A science of the person cannot advance far by omitting, ignoring, or devaluing the voices

of actual persons. A study of sexual health in women illustrates the value of qualitative

research.

4 Natural Supplements for Sleep and Menopause By Michael J Breus Ph.D. on October 20, 2019 in Sleep Newzzz

The best sleep-promoting supplements on the market, and how they can also address

menopause symptoms.

The Stages of Menopause and How They Affect Your Sleep By Michael J Breus Ph.D. on September 05, 2019 in Sleep Newzzz

Through each phase of her life—including the stages of menopause—a woman’s sleep

and health face different risks and challenges.

Recent Posts

23 Tips for Menopause and Empowerment By Andrea F. Polard Psy.D. on November 30, 2019 in A Unified Theory of Happiness

Menopause is a downer, unless you know how to manage your symptoms during the

transformation and understand what beauty and strength come after it.

Telling the Story Numbers Can't By Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on November 07, 2019 in Insight Therapy

A science of the person cannot advance far by omitting, ignoring, or devaluing the voices

of actual persons. A study of sexual health in women illustrates the value of qualitative

research.

Supplements to Help You Sleep During Menopause By Michael J Breus Ph.D. on November 01, 2019 in Sleep Newzzz

When it comes to vitamins that are recommended for women in menopause, it's

important to understand any sleep-promoting or sleep-disrupting side effects.

4 Natural Supplements for Sleep and Menopause By Michael J Breus Ph.D. on October 20, 2019 in Sleep Newzzz

The best sleep-promoting supplements on the market, and how they can also address

menopause symptoms.

Treating Sleep Disruptions and Menopause Symptoms Naturally By Michael J Breus Ph.D. on October 17, 2019 in Sleep Newzzz

What are the best supplements for sleep and menopause?

What Your Sleep Is Like in Your 40s and 50s By Michael J Breus Ph.D. on October 08, 2019 in Sleep Newzzz

At every stage of life, we face different challenges to sleep. But often, sleep starts to get

increasingly complicated during middle age.

Natural Ways to Relieve Sleep Issues and Menopause

Symptoms By Michael J Breus Ph.D. on September 23, 2019 in Sleep Newzzz

Let’s look more closely at some of the mind-body therapies that have been studied for

their effectiveness in treating sleep and menopause symptoms...

Natural Methods to Relieve Menopause-Related Sleep

Symptoms By Michael J Breus Ph.D. on September 20, 2019 in Sleep Newzzz

Natural methods for relieving sleep problems and other menopause symptoms together.

4 Symptoms of Menopause and How They Impact Sleep By Michael J Breus Ph.D. on September 10, 2019 in Sleep Newzzz

Insomnia, and changes to sleep patterns, are often an early signal of perimenopause. Poor

and disrupted sleep are common symptoms of menopause.

The Stages of Menopause and How They Affect Your Sleep By Michael J Breus Ph.D. on September 05, 2019 in Sleep Newzzz

Through each phase of her life—including the stages of menopause—a woman’s sleep

and health face different risks and challenges.

More Recent Posts

Meet Psychology Today's Bloggers on Menopause

Wayne Jonas, M.D., is a professor of medicine at Georgetown University and the

Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, as well as a retired lieutenant colonel

in the Medical Corps of the U.S. Army.

See All Bloggers

The Emotional Roller Coaster of Menopause

IN THIS ARTICLE

How Can I Cope With the Emotional Changes of Menopause?

Can Hormone Replacement Therapy Help During Menopause?

I Have a Hard Time Concentrating and I'm Forgetful. Is This a Normal Part of Menopause?

Declining estrogen levels associated with menopause can

cause more than those pesky hot flashes. They can also

make a woman feel like she is in a constant state

of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). Unfortunately, these emotional changes are a normal part of menopause.

Some of the emotional changes experienced by women undergoing perimenopause or menopause can include:

Irritability

Feelings of sadness

Lack of motivation

Anxiety

Aggressiveness

Difficulty concentrating

Fatigue

Mood changes Tension

If you are feeling irritable and sad, there is a good chance

it could be related to menopause, but the above listed

symptoms are not linked only to menopause. There are a

number of conditions that can cause you to feel downright

irritable. Tell your doctor how you are feeling, so he or she can rule out other medical or psychiatric conditions.

How Can I Cope With the Emotional Changes of Menopause?

Irritability and feelings of sadness are the most common

emotional symptoms of menopause. Often, they can be

managed through lifestyle changes, such as learning ways to relax and reduce stress.

Here are some tips that may make it easier for you to handle your fluctuating emotions:

CONTINUE READING BELOW YOU MIGHT LIKE

Exercise and eat healthy.

Find a self-calming skill to practice, such

as yoga, meditation, or rhythmic breathing.

Avoid tranquilizers and alcohol.

Engage in a creative outlet that fosters a sense of

achievement.

Stay connected with your family and community. Nurture your friendships.

Although depression is not caused by menopause, some

women exhibit the symptoms of depression during this

time. If you are feeling increasingly unable to cope, see

your doctor. He or she may be able to recommend

medicine, such as antidepressants, or therapy that can get you through this rough time.

Can Hormone Replacement Therapy Help During Menopause?

While there is growing evidence to suggest that hormone

replacement therapy (HRT) can relieve emotional

symptoms linked to menopause, HRT alone is not effective

in treating more severe depression. Antidepressant drug therapy and/or psychotherapy may be necessary.

I Have a Hard Time Concentrating and I'm Forgetful. Is This a Normal Part of Menopause?

Unfortunately, difficulty with concentration and minor

memory problems can often be a normal part

of perimenopause, the time leading up to menopause

(defined as not having a period for a year). The good news is that it is likely to be temporary.

Current medical knowledge is limited as to why memory

changes occur with perimenopause, and there are

currently no treatments available to relieve these

symptoms. If you are having memory problems, discuss

this with your doctor. He or she can help manage memory problems or refer you to a provider who can.

WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Traci C. Johnson,

MD on August 16, 2019

Sources

© 2019 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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