Perimenopause and Menopause Reflexology
The term menopause refers to a period of time when you stop having periods. This occurs because your ovaries stop producing eggs and because of this, levels of the hormones your eggs produce (oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone) fall. Confusingly you can only say you have reached the menopause when you haven't had a period for 12 months in a row. Up to getting to this point you are in the perimenopause stage, which can last for a number of years. Symptoms of perimenopause may start in your early to mid forties but some women can start to experience symptoms in their thirties.
Some common perimenopause symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Brain fog
- Headaches
- Hot flushes
- Joint stiffness, aches and pains
- Mood swings
- Trouble sleeping
Menopause resource hub gen-m.com list 43 commonly reported perimenopause symptoms on their website. If you feel you may be experiencing perimenopause symptoms then book an appointment with your GP Practice, and ask to speak to a GP who has had specialist training on the menopause. Take a list of all the symptoms you have been experiencing and say 'I think I may be perimenopausal and these are the reasons why'. They should then be able to confirm through listening to your symptoms whether they can diagnose the perimenopause, or if the symptoms you are experiencing are due to another reason. They will then discuss treatment options where appropriate which may include Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT); Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; vaginal oestrogen creams or lifestyle changes. You may also be referred to a menopause clinic.
When talking to your GP, ask questions and don't give up! I've had clients who have gone to their GP and after listening to them have asked 'Do you want to try HRT?' without explaining properly what it is and the different types of HRT you can receive, and so they have left without getting any support. There are a lot of treatment options out there and its important you find the ones that work best for you.
How can reflexology help?
Reflexology can help you to better manage some of the symptoms associated with the perimenopause and menopause such as trouble sleeping, fatigue, anxiety, headaches and migraines and joint pain. I will massage a range of different reflexes that form the central nervous system, skeletal system and endocrine (hormonal) system, to help you to relax and destress and feel less discomfort. If you are perimenopausal, you may also be juggling work/childcare or looking after older relatives. Allocating time to enable you to properly relax and switch off is essential.
I will also discuss with you evidence based lifestyle changes you can make that could make going through the perimenopause/menopause slightly easier. My garden treatment room can be beautifully warm and cosy or beautifully cool and cosy (with the help of open windows overlooking a wild flower garden), so you will always receive your treatment in comfort.
How often should I have a reflexology treatment?
At your first treatment and consultation we will discuss in detail your reasons for treatment and how reflexology may help. I will then suggest a treatment plan to you that will meet your needs. This could be a treatment once a month, or a treatment once a week until you receive additional support from your GP.
Treaments and price list
Treatments and price list
£75 for the first 75 minute treatment in my Wood Street (E17) therapy room - Consultation includes taking a full medical history, discussing reasons for treatment and a tailored perimenopause/menopause reflexology reflexology treatment + demonstration of reflex points you can do yourself in between treatments to help with particular symptoms and issues.
£60 for subsequent 1 hour treatments
Home treatments also available - a small additional charge applies (depending on location)
"Anna has magic hands. I came to see her about perimenopausal symptoms and we had a good chat about what I have been experiencing and she provided helpful advice for me. Then she worked her wonders on my feet which were heavy from standing on them all day as a teacher. I have had problems with my feet and her treatment has definitely helped. I did come home and sleep for 90 minutes afterwards as I was so relaxed. I have booked follow up appointments with Anna: she has made a difference to my wellbeing" Karen
"I feel full of beans today-I feel balanced and sparkly! Miracle" Jennie