Homeopathy can be an excellent tool to help manage some of the most common symptoms of peri-menopause. Peri-menopause, the time when women transition away from fertility, should not be an overly uncomfortable transition and often times if we get the other systems in the body functioning optimally, these symptoms can be improved (see https://nwim.org/navigating-the-change/ for more information). While these systems are being worked on, these readily available remedies can be a helpful tool in providing some relief.
Lachesis
Best for women experiencing hot flashes, night sweats and palpitations. Women who need Lachesis tend to be passionate, intense and talkative, and they cannot bear tight clothing, especially around their neck. She feels worse with heat and tends to sleep on her left side.
Sulphur
For women who experience hot flashes in the chest that then rise to the face, feel worse with heat and better in open air. These women also tend to have joint pains and only get 3-4 hour stretches of sleep at a time. Her feet and hands are especially hot and she finds clutter or messy surroundings comforting.
Sepia
For women who used to be calm and gentle, but perimenopause has made them very irritable, sad and less affectionate. They may experience flushes of heat with excessive perspiration, avoid sex and have a dragging or bearing down sensation from the pelvis.
Pulsatilla
Best for women with a very mild and gentle disposition who are emotional and easily brought to tears during perimenopause. Her mood is very changeable, and she loves to be comforted. Her menses tend to be very painful and can have nausea and vomiting. She may also experience hot flashes, anxiety and restless legs when trying to sleep.
Choose a homeopathic with a 6C, 12C or 30C potency, and dose 2 pellets under the tongue (or 5 drops if liquid) 3 times daily.
As always, if your symptoms are severe, don’t resolve, or these recommendations don’t provide the relief you need, be sure to speak with your doctor.