You Don't Need To Suffer

Happy May! This week I have compiled some skills and tools for supporting ourselves at any point in the menopausal transition!

During a woman’s second half of life when our bodies shift through hormonal changes, there will be new signals from the body (symptoms) or sensations that can make us feel uncomfortable, irritable, or even angry about what is happening inside us. 

Always remind yourself that what you feel is real, but it is not something you simply have to endure. We can become empowered by knowing our bodies are always trying their best to keep us healthy and happy. Symptoms are communications from your intelligent body indicating that some shifts need to happen. What those shifts are, and how to put them into action, is what Ayurveda is all about. Now is the time to dive deeper into this ancient wisdom to support our modern lives!

I’ve listed a few of the most common symptoms we feel during this stage of life, and some small, manageable things we can do to support ourselves in each of these areas.

With the right support, you can move through the menopausal transition and beyond with more balance, steadiness, and vitality.

Menopause is a natural transition, and many women experience challenges as the body adjusts to hormonal changes.

In Ayurveda, menopause is seen as a shift toward increased Vata and sometimes Pitta, which can create dryness, heat, instability, and changes in mood, sleep, and digestion.

The Ayurvedic goal during menopause is to stabilize Vata, cool excess Pitta, nourish the tissues, and support digestion (Agni). 

When these foundations are supported, the body can move through this transition with more ease and balance.

Hot flashes and night sweats are often linked to increased Pitta, or excess heat in the body.

Doing these things can help:

• Eat cooling foods: coconut, cucumber, mint, cilantro, along with fennel or coriander tea
• Reducing spicy, fried, and fermented foods also supports balance of the inner thermostat.
• Use Sheetali pranayam to help cool yourself down mentally and/or physically 

Sleep disturbances and insomnia are commonly connected to increased Vata, which can make the mind more restless.

Doing these things can help:

• Keeping a consistent bedtime
• Doing a warm oil foot massage
• Drinking warm milk with calming spices like nutmeg or cardamom
• Incorporate herbs such as Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Jatamansi are often used to support the nervous system.

Mood swings, anxiety, and irritability may arise when Vata affects the nervous system and emotional stability.

• Doing these things can help:
• A grounding daily routine
• Eating meals at regular times
• Self-oil massage with warm sesame oil
• Gentle yoga
• Time in nature can help restore steadiness.

Vaginal dryness and overall dryness in the body are often related to increased Vata and reduced tissue nourishment.

Doing these things can help:

• Healthy fats such as ghee, avocado, and soaked nuts
• Staying well hydrated
• Massage sesame oil into your whole body after bathing
• Soak a tampon in sesame oil and insert it at bedtime
• Use ample lubrication with sex

Weight gain and slower metabolism may occur when digestive fire weakens and Kapha begins to accumulate.

Doing these things can help:

• Eating lighter dinners
• Favoring warm cooked foods
• Using digestive spices like ginger and cumin
• Moving the body daily,
• Avoiding late-night eating can help support metabolism. 

Brain fog, memory changes, joint stiffness, and body aches can also be signs of Vata imbalance.

Doing these things can help:

• Daily meditation
• Oil massage
• Gentle stretching
• Eating nourishing soups, stews, and other warm cooked foods
• Eating more healthy fats

Lack of connection and community leads us to doubt our experience and undermine our evolution. There is a growing epidemic in the Western world of loneliness. Whether we realize it or not we are becoming more and more isolated and communities are falling part.

Doing these things can help:

• Find people who have healthy habits and are living in ways that inspire you
• Seek out communities of women that create nourishing, ongoing connections
• Invest in yourself like never before

In Ayurveda, menopause is not seen as a disease but as a natural transition into a stage of wisdom and deeper awareness. 

With proper nourishment, daily routine, herbs, and lifestyle support, women can move through this phase with greater stability, clarity, and vitality.

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