Perimenopause: From Tired to Energetic
In this episode of The ReMed Podcast, we dive into the complexities of perimenopause with ReMed Naturopath Alison Patchett, an experienced naturopath specialising in women’s health, hormones, and weight management. Alison shares her personal journey from a high-pressure corporate career to discovering her passion for natural medicine, sparked by her own experiences with burnout and chronic health issues.
We explore how Alison's approach to natural healthcare took shape, influenced by the birth of her children and her firsthand experiences with hormonal changes. She breaks down the symptoms and stages of perimenopause, offering insights into what happens as the body transitions through this phase. Alongside Alison's expertise, we follow the case of Carly, a patient facing fatigue, weight gain, and sleep disruptions, as Alison outlines her comprehensive treatment plan.
This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for women seeking clarity, relief, and empowerment during perimenopause.
Covered in This Episode
1:30 Alison's Journey into Natural Medicine
Alison discusses her career shift from corporate IT to naturopathy, fueled by personal experiences with burnout and chronic headaches. Her passion for natural health grew as she witnessed colleagues' struggles and faced her own health challenges.
3:00 How a Speciality Was Born: Women's Health, Hormones, and Weight Loss
How the birth of Alison's second child and navigating her own hormonal changes shaped her interest in women's health, particularly hormonal health and weight management.
4:12 Perimenopause Demystified
Alison explains perimenopause, a time of hormonal shifts leading up to menopause. She describes symptoms such as hot flashes, irregular periods, sleep disturbances, and emotional fluctuations.
6:30 The Role of Hormones During Perimenopause
How fluctuating hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, contribute to symptoms. She outlines the effects of high and low oestrogen phases on the body and mood.
14:00 Carly's Case: A Practical Example
Alison outlines her approach to Carly's treatment, including comprehensive blood tests and dietary changes to address inflammation and hormonal imbalances.
17:00 What is Inflammation
Inflammation's role in Carly's symptoms, linking it to hormonal changes and stress.
18:50 The Role of Stress in Hormonal Health
Alison discusses how prolonged stress exacerbates inflammation and hormonal imbalances during perimenopause, impacting overall well-being.
20:00 Oestrogen in Weight Gain
Alison elaborates on how dropping oestrogen levels affect weight management, particularly fat storage and blood sugar regulation, leading to common perimenopausal weight gain.
22:40 Personalised Treatments for Perimenopause
Alison emphasises the importance of tailoring treatment plans to individual needs, addressing diet, lifestyle, and emotional health.
24:00 Common Approaches to Managing Perimenopause
From general dietary principles, such as increasing protein, hydration, and healthy fats, and incorporating stress-relieving practices.
28:00 Supplementation in Perimenopause: Key Herbs and Nutrients
Supplements commonly used for perimenopausal symptoms, including wild yam, black cohosh, chaste tree, and magnesium.
30:00 The Place of Bioidentical Hormones in Treatment
Alison discusses integrating bioidentical hormone therapies with other natural approaches, stressing the need for a personalised approach.
31:00 Carly's Progress and Treatment Adjustments
Alison shares Carly's progress, detailing how dietary changes and supplements helped alleviate her symptoms and how treatments evolved over time.
33:50 The Benefits of a Large Clinic for Patient Outcomes
The advantages of shared care within a multidisciplinary clinic, where different practitioners can address various health needs within the same family.
Resources and Links
Book with ReMed Naturopath Alison Patchett: Alison specialises in helping women overcome stress, exhaustion, and hormonal imbalances. Whether you're looking to lose weight, manage heavy periods, or achieve lasting hormone balance, Alison brings empathy and understanding to each consultation. As a busy working mum of two, she deeply understands the challenges women face in balancing work, family, and personal care.
