Menopause & Perimenopause
Natural treatments for menopause
Struggling with hot flushes and night sweats?
Feeling grumpy, irritable or anxious, but don’t know why?
Wondering why you’re feeling exhausted most of the time?
You’ve searched for solutions, but haven’t liked the answers.
Perhaps you’ve been told you need an antidepressant or hormone replacement therapy, but you’re looking for something more natural. You don’t feel like you have a “disease”.
Maybe you’ve been told to just deal with it because it’s part of being a woman.
There is another way. Natural medicine has been supporting women like you for hundreds of years.
Feel like yourself again
Menopause is a natural life stage, not a disease. Every woman has to navigate its often-tempestuous waters. However, you don’t need to become a shipwreck at the mercy of the hormonal currents. With a little support and some expert navigation, you’ll be sailing on calm waters again.
Natural menopause remedies support and nurture you through this transition. You’ll emerge healthy and vibrant.
Naturopathy helps you to feel like yourself again.
What is menopause?
Menopause is a natural decline in a woman’s reproductive hormones. Basically, your ovaries decide it’s time to retire, reducing the production of progesterone, oestrogen and testosterone. You officially qualify for your “menopause” badge when you haven’t had a menstrual period for 12 months.
The average age of women entering menopause in Australia is 51, but anything from 44 to 55 is considered normal.
It all begins with perimenopause
The hormonal output from your ovaries shifts up to 10 years before the menopause date. Often described as “the second puberty”, these hormonal shifts can leave you feeling as emotional and awkward as a teenager.
This period, known as perimenopause, is when you experience most of the unpleasant symptoms. Perimenopause is what gives menopause a lousy reputation.
The role of adrenals and thyroid
The ovaries are not the only players in the hormonal game. The thyroid and adrenals also alter their behaviour during perimenopause. The thyroid often becomes sluggish, slowing down metabolism − say hello to sneaky weight gain. The adrenals become more reactive to stress, turning up the dial on anxiety and the likelihood of bursting into tears for no reason.
Symptoms of perimenopause
There’s no one-size-fits-all perimenopause. Every woman experiences it in her unique way. The lucky 20% will sail through without symptoms, 60% have mild to moderate symptoms, and 20% pull the short straw and have symptoms severe enough to significantly impact their daily life.
On average, perimenopause symptoms last four years but can last up to 12. So strap yourself in and let’s make the ride as smooth as possible.
Physical perimenopause symptoms
- Changes to menstrual cycle length and amount of bleeding
- Increased need to pee and slight bladder leakage
- Difficulty going to sleep and staying asleep
- Tiredness and exhaustion
- Hot flushes, night sweats
- Headaches/migraines
- Crawling or itchy skin
- Vaginal dryness
- Aches and pains
- Weight gain
- Bloating
Emotional perimenopause symptoms
- Reduced ability to cope with things you’d usually take in your stride
- Forgetfulness, reduced concentration
- Increasing PMS symptoms
- Reduced interest in sex
- Depressed mood
- Feeling irritable
- Mood swings
- Feel anxious
Help for hot flushes
Are hot flushes wreaking havoc on your life?
The good news? Help is here.
This comprehensive guide will help balance your internal thermometer while giving you hormonal harmony and deep refreshing sleep.
Feel like yourself again.
How Naturopathy can help
Naturopathy can help reduce perimenopause symptoms and boost ongoing wellbeing and vitality.
Herbal medicine for menopause
Women have been using herbal medicines for centuries to help them smooth out the bumps of menopause. There’s a good reason: herbs work. When prescribed by a qualified naturopath, herbal medicine may help to balance hormones, support mood, reduce anxiety, improve stress management, sleep and your ability to cope. My treatment includes the use of liquid herbs to prepare the perfect botanical remedy for you.
Diet & nutrition for menopause
The perimenopause transition is the perfect time to nourish yourself. Forget about super restrictive or fad diets. You’ll get practical, healthy nutrition guidance that integrates with all parts of your life. Let’s face it, the best diet is one you want to eat every day.
We’ll also assess critical nutrients such as B12, folate, zinc, magnesium, iodine and iron to support thyroid, adrenal, bone and heart health, and optimise mood and sleep.
Lifestyle
Self-care, stress management, regular exercise and making time to enjoy life are all essential components of having a smooth and hassle-free menopause. You’ll receive professional guidance, ongoing encouragement and practical tips to create your personalised health care plan.
What to expect in a menopause consult
- One hour and fifteen minutes to discuss your current health concerns, symptoms and goals
- An in-depth look at your health history
- Discussion of current diet, exercise and self-care practices
- Physical exam: blood pressure, pulse, nail tongue analysis and others as indicated by your case history
- Recommendations for any pathology or functional testing.
You’ll receive
- A personalised perimenopause plan that addresses your key concerns, symptoms and long-term health goals
- Nutrition advice and recipe inspiration to support all aspects of your hormonal health
- Guidance on stress management and self-care practices
- Customised herbal medicine and nutritional supplementation (if indicated by your case history).
- Information and education to allow you to take control of your health and well being going forward.
Are you ready to reclaim hormonal harmony?
Yes, perimenopause and menopause are inevitable, but your life doesn’t have to turn into chaos. I’m here to help you .
In times gone by, menopause was celebrated as a rite of transformation where a female became the “wise woman”. In our modern world, I think of it as a liberating time. You stop giving a hoot about trying to be everything for everyone and celebrate the fabulous woman you are. Send out the Menopause Party invites!
Frequently asked questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Naturopathic menopause treatment. You can also check out the general FAQs page or get in contact with me.
I’m currently on HRT. Can you help me come off?
Yes, I’ve supported women to transition off HRT successfully. However, this needs to be done in conjunction with your doctor.
I’m on HRT. Can I still work with a naturopath?
Yes. Not all herbs will be appropriate if you’re on HRT, but I can help you develop a healthy diet and assist with making balanced lifestyle choices as part of a good health foundation.
How long will it take to get results?
It’s hard to answer this question as my client’s perimenopausal experiences vary greatly. Most women see improvements in hot flushes within two weeks and start to feel mood and energy improvements within four weeks.
Will I need to keep taking herbs and supplements long term?
No. Herbs and supplements act as a bridge to help you get where you want to go. Once you implement diet and lifestyle changes, you shouldn’t need them long term. As much as I love herbal medicine – good health does not come out of a bottle.
What does it cost and how many appointments will I need?
My current consultation fees can be found here.
The number of appointments will vary depending on where you are in your health journey. For the best results, I generally find at least three are required. Don’t worry, there are no lock-in contracts and you can come as often, or as little, as you like. I’m here to support your health whenever you need it.
Why are there no testimonials?
Due to legal restrictions, Naturopaths are not permitted to post client testimonials on their websites.
Are you ready to feel like yourself again?
Master menopause
I'm Norelle Hentschel.
I'm an experienced Naturopath with a clinic in Stones Corner, Greenslopes Brisbane. I've helped many people improve their health. I'm ready to help you feel better and regain your energy and vitality.
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