Hormonal imbalance can happen as life naturally transitions for women over the age of 35. These hormonal changes and their associated symptoms, including stress, can be difficult to accept and manage perimenopause and menopause. Stress can exacerbate hormonal imbalances and make it difficult to cope with the overall changes.
Naturopathic doctors are trained to understand the root causes of stress and offer a variety of natural approaches to help you manage it effectively during perimenopause and menopause.
Here are 10 ways I can help you manage stress as a way of naturally encouraging balance in your hormonal landscape:
1. Identify the root cause of your stress.
The first step to managing stress is to identify the root cause. I take a holistic approach to healthcare, considering all aspects of your life, including physical, mental, emotional, and environmental factors. I will work with you to identify the specific stressors in your life and develop a personalized plan to address them.
2. Recommend dietary changes.
Nutrition plays a vital role in stress management. I will recommend dietary changes to help you reduce inflammation, improve blood sugar balance, and boost mood. I may also recommend specific supplements, such as B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, to support stress resilience.
3. Encourage regular exercise.
Exercise is a natural stress reliever. It releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. I can help you develop a safe and effective exercise routine that meets your individual needs and goals. For people experiencing hormonal imbalance, I often focus on ways to build muscle – especially in big muscles like the legs.
4. Promote adequate sleep.
Sleep is essential for stress management. I will help you identify and address any underlying sleep problems, such as insomnia, and recommend sleep hygiene tips to improve your sleep quality.
5. Teach relaxation techniques.
Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga, can help to calm the mind and body and reduce stress levels. I have a variety of relaxation techniques and I will help you determine how best to incorporate them into your daily routine.
6. Recommend herbal supplements.
Certain herbs, such as ashwagandha, lavender, and chamomile, have been shown to have stress-relieving effects. There are other herbs I can recommend and dosages that are safe and effective for you.
7. Acupuncture.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It has been shown to be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. As a licensed acupuncturist, I will help activate the flow of energy in your body to decrease inflammation and increase the release of hormones to promote balance.
8. Provide counseling.
I am here to support you in developing coping mechanisms for stress management. I can also help you to identify and address any underlying mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
9. Order functional laboratory tests.
We offer a variety of functional laboratory tests to assess your overall health and identify any potential underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your stress levels. These labs go above and beyond the medical testing you might receive from a Western medicine doctor.
10. Work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals.
If needed, I can work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and primary care physicians, to provide comprehensive care for stress management.
Hormonal imbalances happen as part of the normal changes our bodies experience in life. Stress management is a key part of feeling well and promoting health and longevity. If you are struggling to manage stress during perimenopause or menopause, consider scheduling a complimentary 15-minute new patient appointment with me by calling 303-688-6698 or scheduling online. Colorado Natural Medicine & Acupuncture in Castle Rock, Colorado is currently accepting new patients.
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