Aging can feel like an overwhelming journey, bringing natural changes that can often feel isolating or even overwhelming, particularly because they're so misunderstood or stigmatised. You may have felt uncertain or worried about how your body changes or wondered if what you're experiencing is "normal." Yet, understanding these transitions can reduce fear and stigma, allowing you to embrace aging with confidence.
Before diving into how to embrace the blessing of aging, I want to thank you and all the incredible women who have bravely shared their experiences. By opening up, you are starting powerful conversations that help break the silence and empower the next generation of women.
The tide is shifting and we can learn and grow together as our bodies change and transition through various stages, including one that is often misunderstood: menopause.
Much like puberty, menopause is a natural transition that all women experience, typically between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can occur earlier or later. Hormonal changes are seen 8 to 10 years ahead of menopause so it's safe to say that menopause doesn't happen overnight-it's part of a longer process.
What is Perimenopause?
The period leading up to menopause is called perimenopause, or the menopausal transition. During this stage, levels of key hormones like estrogen begin to fluctuate and steadily decline. These hormonal changes signal the approaching end of your reproductive years.
Estrogen, in particular, plays a significant role in regulating a woman's reproductive system, as well as maintaining bone density, skin elasticity, mood and mental health. As estrogen levels decline, some women may notice a range of physical and emotional shifts - some of which include irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, sleep problems, night sweats, weight gain, thinning hair, dry skin and mood swings. These symptoms signal perimenopause, and ultimately, menopause.
When does Menopause Start?
Menopause is defined as having occurred after 12 months without menstruation, but a doctor's confirmation is not typically required unless there are unusual symptoms or complications. At this point, estrogen and progesterone levels remain consistently low. Many of the symptoms that began during perimenopause can persist or even intensify during menopause, but symptoms vary from woman to woman. For some women, symptoms tend to gradually subside after the initial post-menopause years as hormone levels stabilise at lower levels. However, the lower hormone levels can continue to cause long-term effects on skin, bones, and mood. Remember every woman is different, so how she experiences menopause, perimenopause and post-menopause is unique to her.
The hormonal fluctuations experienced during menopause and perimenopause can continue to affect the body in many ways. For instance, estrogen helps maintain collagen and elastin, so declining levels can lead to drier, thinner skin and increased wrinkles. Hair thinning and changes in texture are also common. Mentally, the drop in estrogen can affect mood regulation, contributing to irritability, anxiety, or depression. These transitions impact our overall health and well-being, making it essential to be informed and prepared for these changes.
How to Navigate Hormonal Fluctuations
We all remember learning about puberty-how it marks the start of adolescence, bringing all kinds of changes to our bodies and minds. I first heard about it in Biology class, but it became real when I went through it myself. Thankfully, I was prepared. My mom sat down with me to explain things, and I saw my older cousins go through it. It was something we talked about openly.
But menopause, another big life transition, is a lot like puberty in that it's driven by hormones, yet many of us weren't taught what to expect. It's a second major hormonal shift, but for some reason, it isn't discussed nearly as openly. Even though I'm "too young" to be thinking about menopause just yet, I believe it's time we start having conversations about it with everyone-our daughters and sons, our partners, our friends.
The earlier we understand it, the more we can reduce the stigma around aging, celebrate the changes, and stay confident. Aging is a natural part of life-something to embrace, not fear. We feel empowered to navigate these changes confidently when we're well-informed through different resources. Our co-founder has shared her personal journey here, offering insight into this process. One key area to explore is how nature can support our bodies through hormonal transitions, from puberty to menopause and beyond.
Here's a look at how some of these natural remedies can support hormonal balance and overall well-being:
Dong Quai Root (Angelica sinensis), Red Clover (Trifolium pratense), and Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) are some amazing herbs with the potential to support women's health. They may provide relief for some women and help promote overall well-being during perimenopause and menopause. You can use them in a herbal drink or click here to make glycerites, a water-based botanical extract or oil maceration to incorporate into your skincare formulations and routine.
Today, we are going to look specifically at Comfrey's applications.
What Comfrey is Used For
Comfrey is a plant traditionally used to heal wounds and support skin health due to its high content of allantoin, a compound known to stimulate cell regeneration. During menopause, skin can become drier and more fragile due to hormonal changes, and Comfrey's ability to promote skin repair makes it a valuable natural remedy.
How Comfrey Supports Skin, Hair and Scalp Health
The allantoin in Comfrey helps soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote the regeneration of skin cells. Menopausal skin often becomes thinner and loses elasticity, making it more prone to dryness, wrinkles and minor injuries. Comfrey's natural healing properties can help alleviate these issues, making it an excellent addition to skincare and scalp-care routines.
