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Perimenopause transition has its ups and downs. Some women experience very few symptoms, while others find the transition much more challenging.

I knew I had reached menopause because it had been a full year since my last bleed. For me it was a big celebration and the start of a new chapter in my life. In China, this phase of life is called Second Spring because the duties of parenting are easing and traditionally women are honoured in their age. Life has space for more fun.

My perimenopause transition, like that of many women, had its ups and downs.
Some women experience very few symptoms, while others find the transition much more challenging, I experienced the latter.
The first clear indicator I had that I was perimenopausal was a huge panic attack, thumping heartbeat that went on for hours. I did wonder if I was having a heart attack. I called NHS 111 for advice and, after speaking with them, concluded that the palpitations were most likely caused by a panic attack and that I didn’t need to go to A&E.

I went to my GP, who did an ECG and found my heart was in good health but didn’t connect my age of 49 and the possibility I was approaching menopause. Public conversations around menopause finally helped me recognise what was happening and I started connecting the dots.

I am one of many women who can’t take Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). My mother died of breast cancer and hormonal treatments exacerbate my symptoms of endometriosis.

I was however experiencing extreme fatigue, difficulty concentrating, digestive issues and insomnia. Thankfully, I only had one hot flush each day, usually around 3 or 4am.

At Anahata, I was so glad to have a team of people to give guidance and support as I faced my changing body. It was quite a stressful time for me personally, I was juggling study, caring responsibilities and supporting my family through important life changes.
Having trusted therapists I could confide in, alongside targeted treatments for the symptoms I was experiencing, made an enormous difference.

What helped me was:

Acupuncture – I just always feel really good for it
Chinese herbs – targeted my hot flush and exhaustion
Arvigo massage – targeted my abdominal pain for my endometriosis pain and it’s deeply relaxing

I’m mostly very cold so the Infrared and Ozone sauna are others favourite. I treat myself to a session whenever I feel a deep chill I can’t shift.

Beyond the therapists’ skills, I really appreciated their guidance on lifestyle choices and their willingness to listen while I unpacked what was troubling me at each visit. It helps them choose the correct treatment but it also helped me normalise what was happening.

I’m pleased to say my perimenopausal symptoms disappeared once my periods stopped. I can think clearly again, sleep through the night and my energy has improved significantly. I needed extra support for a while, and I’ve learned not to charge around like a 20-year-old. Instead, I pace myself, listen to my body and, if I need an afternoon nap, I take one—and that’s perfectly okay.

Every woman’s experience of perimenopause is unique. Whether your symptoms are mild or they’re affecting your daily life, you don’t have to navigate this transition alone. The care and support I received at Anahata during my own perimenopause journey inspired me to become part of the team, so I can now help other women through this transition with the same compassion and understanding I experienced.

If you’d like to explore how acupuncture or other treatments may support your wellbeing during perimenopause and beyond, I’d be delighted to welcome you to Anahata and help you find the approach that’s right for you.

See Abigail’s page here.