Self-care during perimenopause and menopause can significantly ease the transition into the glorious years of no longer having a cycle. Everything a woman can do, from eating clean, taking a break from alcohol and consciously detoxifying the body of metals, plastics and chemicals will smooth the transition. HerbDoc.com offers great, affordable herbal protocols to clean the bowels, kidneys, liver and gallbladder.

Menopause is an opportunity to balance critical hormones, including cortisol, thyroid, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Ideally, an individual can work with a functional medicine doctor to learn their exact levels and rebalance them. But there is a lot that can be done on one’s own if there are budget-constraint issues, including using herbs to balance cortisol (ashwagandha) if stressed. Natural, desiccated thyroid is helpful when one suspects they are one of the 80 percent of the population that has an under-functioning thyroid (ForeFrontHealth.com has great educational resources and products), and vaginal suppositories from Bezwecken.com have estriol, progesterone and DHEA (a testosterone precursor). These suppositories go right where support can be useful in terms of lubrication and libido, and they work systemically, as well. An added bonus is that often estrogen helps with bladder urgency.

A critical issue to focus on is the prevention of bone loss. The two years after menopause are known to be pivotal in terms of maintaining bone density, so it is wise to consume plenty of food sources of calcium such as soy and leafy greens. Be sure to take vitamin D with A and K included, as well as magnesium to keep bone density and overall function optimized. Weight-bearing exercise is also necessary to keep bone density.

In cleansing and strengthening the body, remember to clean out and strengthen the mind. Letting go of past issues and focusing on being grateful for having made it this far is key. Loving What Is, by Byron Katie, is a beautiful book that offers easy and real ways to tame and train the mind so everyday life can be enjoyable.

Self-care during perimenopause and menopause can significantly improve the transition. To appreciate the precious body, apply some discipline to get through the experience even stronger than when it began. It’s a time for women to celebrate accomplishments and set themselves up for enjoying the next phase of life.

Sue Mahany is owner of Spark Health Technologies located at 11983 N. Tamiami Tr., Ste. 150, in Naples. For appointments and more information, call 802-752-6342 or visit SparkHealthTechnologies.com.