Susan E. Mead, M.H.
Incorporated
Medical Herbalist

Email Susan E. Mead, M.H. at herbalist@susanemead.com for a quick, free mini-consultation.

Premenopause/Menopause Symptoms

MOOD SWINGS

With all the other symptoms women experience during premenopause, it's not surprising women complain about emotional problems including crying jags, irritability and depression. These symptoms are remarkably similar to those of PMS and both are related to changing hormones. Anti-depressants are often prescribed for women experiencing mood swings. These prescription drugs are often inappropriate and ineffective.

Women suffering from depression sometimes have negative attitudes towards menopause. Poor social support and poor marital relationships can contribute to feelings of depression, too. Women often see menopause as an end of their youth. This is especially true in our society which prizes youth, and women may feel less attractive. This transition from youth to maturity often triggers a self-examination and review of life's ups and downs. However, the downs have a way of overshadowing the accomplishments, especially when all of those other menopausal changes are occurring simultaneously. Our culture is slowly beginning to value maturity and wisdom, but sadly it is usually men who are valued for these attributes.

One school of thought suggests that the reason we in the West experience premenopausal symptoms to such an intense and pervasive degree is due to neglect of ourselves throughout the first half of life. Emotions are particularly susceptible to neglect here since overall, they are not seen as acceptable. Perhaps the Change brings out the protective layers hiding our anger, fears and grief. Each hot flash may expose our hidden or blocked feelings, exposing our secret desires. They may be surfacing with such intensity due to neglect. If we can receive these emotions without judgment, nourish them and learn to experience them without 'puking' them on our family and friends, these unpleasant feelings can then be released rather than bottled up inside.

Premenopause is the classic time in our culture for women to 'go crazy'. Oversensitivity, irritability, anxiety, fear, extreme nervousness or anxiety, rage, grief, depression and crying jags are not uncommon during premenopause. Rather than using remedies to eliminate these emotions, we are better served by calling on the right plant(s) to moderate the emotions until they are manageable. Having some of these feelings is a great reminder of where we are in life, and how we might want to change some things we previously overlooked.

QUICK TIPS

• Yoga is a great way to bring balance into our lives, which can help us find the balance with our emotions
• Cherry plum is the Bach flower remedy for you if you're about to do something desperate
• The homeopathic Lachesis is said to help rage evidenced by outbursts of irrational jealousy
• Read “The Dance of Anger” by Harriet Lerner

For more specific suggestions and dosages consider an herbal phone consultation with Ms. Mead, click here for more information on herbal consultations and to contact Ms. Mead.

Click below to get more information on other premenopause symptoms:

The Path to Better Living

You have already taken the first step on your journey.  I work directly with you to uncover the sources of your body's imbalance and create remedies to restore, rejuvenate, and heal.

1. We'll begin by filling out your Health History Form, to determine the best approach for your personal needs.  Download a PDF file of the form here.  If you do not have downloading capabilities, contact me and I will mail it to you promptly. 
    

2. Once you have filled out the appropriate information, send me the form, via email or snail mail, along with a recent photograph of yourself. 
    

3. We will next engage in a one-on-one private consultation, either in person or over the phone, where I can pinpoint the right herbal remedies and lifestyle changes for you.  For pricing, see my Herbal Consultations page.
    

4. I then create for you a customized health plan which will include suggestions for diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes that will work in conjunction with a specially formulated herbal remedy that I design to target your personal needs.  Potential herb/drug interactions are taken into consideration.
    

5. Many patients begin treatment with one pound of dried herbs selected from my personal pharmacy, which you will enjoy as a strong tea known as an herbal infusion.  But most remedies are supplied in tincture form, with only a teaspoon or two per day needed to make it easy for you.
    

6. Approximately 80-85% of clients start seeing positive results within 2-4 weeks, often in just a few days.
    

7. I will continue to communicate with you via phone or email consultations, and we will work together to help you re-create the strongest, healthiest body possible.  In the case of chronic ailments, you may need to allow one month of treatment for each year you have had the problem. But you should see at least a 10% improvement in the first few weeks.

Begin Your Journey Now

Contact me or download the Health History Form now so we can move on to the next step to making you feel better, mind, body, and soul. 

To your health,

Susan E. Mead, M.H.

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