10 Practitioner Tips for Managing Menopause Naturally
For Menopause Awareness Month, we’ve been joined by @the_menopause_homeopath herself, Caroline Gaskin MCPH.
She shares so much information and guidance for women approaching, going through and coming out of menopause.
Read on for Sonia and Caroline’s expert tips for managing menopause the natural way.
5 Tips from Caroline Gaskin MCPH
There are over 34 symptoms associated with menopause and I honestly think I had most of them!
Thankfully menopause is a hormonal transition and by listening to what our body is telling us we can find natural health solutions to support us for each step of the way.
Essential Fatty Acids
Also called omega oils, are good for heart & circulatory health, skin, hair, nails & eyes. They help with the transportation of prostaglandins around the body. Prostaglandins are our hormone messengers.
Studies show essential fatty acids support heart function & slow the formation of fatty plaque. I find women need more essential fatty acids during menopause.
My favourite is Aquasource Fatty Acid Complex – this is vegan (see suppliers list below).
For post menopause I like Aquasource Liquid Gold Complex with Vitamin D3 to help support brain function, vaginal dryness and keep bones healthy.
Fermented Foods, Prebiotics & Probiotics
Some say that menopause is a deficiency disease. Menopause is not a disease. It is a time of hormonal change.
It is true to say that in the 21st Century we are deficient in minerals and can easily become depleted in Vitamin C and the B vitamins.
By adding fermented foods to our daily food intake we can diversify our gut flora (healthy bacteria).
When we eat fermented foods like kefir, kombucha, sourdough bread, apple cider vinegar and sauerkraut their nutrients become more bio-available to us. That means their vitamins & minerals are more readily released from the food and with a more diverse gut flora we can absorb a wider range of nutrients.
Targeted probiotics can help create balance in all areas of the body and can be taken for specific issues like bacterial vaginosis.
Prebiotics, also called digestive enzymes, help with absorbing particular food types like sugars, proteins, starches, dairy products and vegetables.
Aquasource Starteasy Programme is a 4-product pack of digestive enzymes, Acidophilus & Bifidus & Blue Green Algae (a potent superfood) designed as a month-long tonic for the digestive system. It should help relieve bloating, balance digestive issues and you may experience better sleep and even some weight loss. Basically it’s a great tune up!
Magnesium
You’ll hear me talk about magnesium for all stages of menopause.
In perimenopause it helps balance blood sugar and relieve menstrual cramps. In what I call true menopause ie the 12 to 18 months when it seems like chaos can reign, then it helps with night sweats, poor sleep and anxiety. Post menopause it will help keep bones strong & look after your heart. No wonder the Chinese call it The Beautiful Mineral.
I consider it well-absorbed through the skin as a light spray oil (magnesium chloride) or by regularly using Epsom Salts (magnesium sulphate) in the bath.
See below for how to get yours.
DRY SKIN BRUSHING WITH A NATURAL BRISTLE BRUSH
Dry skin brushing every day before your shower or bath, using a natural bristle brush, helps with detox, circulation & brain fog.
It’s an invigorating way to start your day and it’s low cost and easy to achieve.
It will help stimulate the leptin receptor sites located just under the skin’s surface so can be part of a weight loss plan. For extra benefit, finish your shower with cold water.
Here’s my YouTube clip explaining how and save 15% on your brush at the Natural Dispensary with code GASKIN015.
Australian Bush Flower Woman Essence
I’m a homeopath & flower essence prescriber so I couldn’t let you miss out a gem from my toolkit.
Woman Essence can be taken at any stage of menopause and alongside any other
medication or menopause choices. It will help harmonise hormones, balance moods, release
weariness, feel better about yourself and cope better with stressors and change.
Further Learning
Explore my Natural Menopause Course.
Explore my 'Mini for Meno' video workshops for Perimenopause, for True Menopause and for Post Menopause
5 Quick Tips from Sonia O’Donnell
Balance your blood sugar
Start your day with protein, avoid skipping meals, and swap out sugary snacks for something nourishing. This helps stabilise mood, energy, and hormones.
Prioritise sleep
Your body does its deepest repair work at night. Support sleep by getting morning daylight, limiting screens after dark, and winding down with calming herbal teas.
Move in ways that feel good
Gentle movement like walking, stretching or dancing helps your mood, bones, and circulation. It doesn’t have to be intense to make a difference.
Support your nervous system
Take five minutes to breathe, journal, or sit with a warm drink. These moments of rest help regulate stress and bring your system back into balance.
Try gentle herbal support
Natural blends like Hello Menopause and Hello Daily Balance offer calming, hormone-balancing herbs to support your whole system through the transition, especially if you’re not using HRT.