Menopause is a natural physiological transition process, when a woman’s hormone levels begin to change and her menstrual cycles stop. The average age of menopause is 51, however can begin as early as the 30’s, and can last an average of 1-4 years. Menopause may be atypically triggered following chemotherapy, surgical removal of one or both ovaries, pelvic radiation therapy, or premature ovarian failure.

This phase, which has been colloquially described as “the change of life”, signals the end of a woman’s ability to have children. This idea can create a deep sense of loss, particularly in women who have not had children, even if they’d chosen not to.

Menopause occurs in stages. During the first stage, perimenopause, the production of estrogen and progesterone are significantly decreased, and mature egg production becomes irregular. This drop in hormone levels is what causes most of the common symptoms associated with menopause.

The most common symptom of menopause by far is hot flashes. Up to 75% of menopausal women experience this sudden rise in body temperature, in varying intensities and frequency. Experiencing a hot flash in the middle of an important event can create a feeling of being out of control, not to mention the embarrassment of the sweat dripping down your face and neck. Other symptoms may include; sleep disturbance, night sweats, fatigue, anxiety, feelings of loss, weight gain/slowed metabolism, irritability, and memory loss.

Because menopause is viewed as a sign of aging, and not an illness, only 1 in 10 women seek medical or emotional support for their symptoms. Not surprising, in a time when youth is celebrated and we have sayings like “60 is the new 40”, (something I was told more than once recently, having just had my 60^th birthday), that women are hesitant to admit that they’re experiencing menopausal symptoms. Most are not aware that there are other options, and just grin and bear it.

The most common medical treatment for the physical symptoms of menopause is Hormone Replacement Therapy, or HRT. HRT has been effective for a number of women, although there is some risk involved, detrimental side effects or contraindications. Antidepressants, antianxiety or mood altering prescription drugs are most often the only suggestion for the emotional symptoms accompanying menopause.

There has been extensive research done that substantiates the significant effect hypnosis and NLP have on easing the challenges of menopause.Hypnotherapy and Neuro-Linguistic Psychology, (NLP), offer a safe, simple and effective adjunct, or alternative. Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation; combined with focused concentration, which means, it’s a natural and safe way to make affirmative changes. NLP will teach you to choose your thoughts, master your emotions, and use the language of the subconscious mind to create and achieve your desired outcome.

Because both Hypnosis and NLP are designed to directly communicate with and affect the subconscious mind, changes can be made more quickly and effectively. When used in conjunction, these profoundly relaxing, yet powerful tools easily, naturally, and efficiently, help control the unwanted symptoms of menopause.

Using Hypnosis and NLP we focus on developing coping strategies to help manage stress, anxiety and reduce the physical symptoms of menopause. Some methods that have proven effective are guided visualization, stress and relaxation management techniques, restful sleep techniques, anchoring, reframing, and self-hypnosis.

Each woman is unique, and therefore requires individual consideration before designing an action plan. It is very important to develop a program that can be easily followed and practiced as needed, without the continued need of a therapist or coach.

A sample of self-hypnosis exercise for hot flashes-menopause

Close your eyes
Take in three deep breathes
Count backwards from ten to one

Relax your body
Clear your mind

Imagine a gauge that measures body temperature the gauge ranges from 1-coolest to 10-warmest                                                                                                                           What number is the gauge registering now                                                            Imagine there’s a knob on the gauge that can be turned up or down                          Imagine you can change your body temperature by changing the gauge If you’re feeling cool, turn the knob to a higher number, if you’re felling warm imagine turning the knob down…5 a little cooler…4 cooler still…3 still cooler…2 feeling refreshed…1 completely cool

Repeat 3 times

When you are finished count yourself up from one to five…

Count to five …when you say five you will be awake and aware, fully present here and now…. Body…. Mind…. Spirit…and Emotions…. integrating…integrating…integrating into you… This process integrates into the very fiber of your being . . . and will continue on the inner planes through your visions . . .. even now the seeds of your future are beginning to grow. . .even now, and they will continue to grow moment by moment and hour by hour until they fill your life with more control over your body over your emotions…1…2…3…4…5 Eyes open refreshed and relaxed.

A qualified hypnotherapist will answer any and all questions thoroughly, help you realize what it would be like if you could naturally, reduce your menopausal symptoms. You cannot be made to do anything against your will; the subconscious mind automatically discards suggestions that make you uncomfortable, or are in contrast with your moral or ethical boundaries. You’ll not remain in hypnosis forever, if something should happen out of the ordinary, you would quickly become aware and come fully conscious, safely and effortlessly.

* Hypnosis and NLP are natural, safe, self-help processes. Hypnotherapy/NLP is not the practice of medicine or psychotherapy. The hypnotherapy/NLP services provided are for educational and self-improvement purposes and is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical or psychological condition.We do not represent our services as any form of health care, by law we may make no health benefit claims for our services.

Ref:

NAMS (North American Menopause Society)- https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-take-time-to-think-about-it/consumers/2012/10/26/the-power-of-suggestion-hypnotize-your-hot-flashes,

WebMD- http://www.webmd.com/menopause/news/20121025/hypnosis_halts_hot_flashes, The Premenopause Book- Dr John R Lee, menopausenaturally.co.uk