Common Symptoms of Peri-Menopause and How to Have a Healthy Transition to Menopause

The appearance and condition of your skin is a good indicator of your general health. The way your skin looks and feels is often directly related to what's happening on the inside.

Looking After Your Skin Your skin can be a good indicator of what is happening on the inside of your body. For example, it is hard for your skin to look smooth and soft if the remainder of your body has inflammation. Imbalances of many hormones can be mirrored in your skin. For example, if your testosterone levels are too high this could result in acne. Alternatively, if your testosterone levels are too low this can result in sagging skin. And if your hormones are not balanced you may develop Rosacea which is an inflammatory skin condition. Collagen, which keeps your skin firm and strong, requires Vitamin C to be made, so if your Vitamin C levels are low your skin may age. The amount of collagen in your skin is also maintained by oestrogen and decreases after menopause. The ageing process causes a decrease in your body’s ability to stay moisturised due to a decline in the making of essential fatty acids. Therefore, it is important to take omega-3-fatty acids on a daily basis to keep your skin hydrated and to maintain a moist, youthful appearance. As your body ages your supply of antioxidants also declines. The process of oxidation causes the fatty membranes of your cells to become more permeable which causes you to lose moisture, your skin will become dehydrated, and this causes your skin to age. Include foods in your diet are high in antioxidants e.g highly coloured fruits and vegetables (strawberries, broccoli etc), oily fish (salmon and sardines), fish oils, olive oil and raw almonds. How do I get better skin? Saliva hormone testing is most reflective of what’s going on with your hormones at a tissue level; this can be addressed by having an appointment with myself. Book with me below.

Why Thyroid Issues Persist - Even after "Normal" Test Results I see a lot of patients with thyroid-related symptoms. Often they’ve come to see me after having their thyroid tested and being told their results are normal. Unfortunately their symptoms continue and they don’t feel normal at all! Generally speaking, when you go to your GP to have your thyroid tested, often it’s only the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels that are measured, and this alone is used as a diagnostic marker to determine overall thyroid health. Whilst TSH levels can provide an indication of thyroid health, when measured in isolation it simply does not give enough information to provide a complete picture of the complex nature of Thyroid function. What is the Thyroid Gland? The thyroid is a gland, shaped like a butterfly, situated at the front of the neck. It is a powerful control centre for many important body functions, manufacturing hormones that regulate heart rate, digestion, body temperature, and even breathing. People experience issues when there’s either too much or a shortage of thyroid hormones being produced, but TSH testing alone can miss the majority of thyroid-related problems. Up to 1 in 8 people live with thyroid related issues, and it is quite possible to be experiencing the symptoms of an underactive thyroid, while having normal levels of TSH. Underactive Thyroid Symptoms Some of the common symptoms of an underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism) include: Extreme fatigue Hypersensitivity to cold Prolonged dry skin Weight gain Puffy eyes and/or face Poor memory/concentration Muscle weakness or low muscle tone Persistent jaundice (yellowing of eyes or skin) Missing periods but not pregnant Hoarseness of voice Hair loss Depression Muscle cramps Constipation Overactive Thyroid Symptoms Some of the common symptoms of an overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism) include: Sudden and unexplained weight loss Irritability, anxiety, or nervousness Increased sweating Rapid heartbeat Tremors in the fingers and hands Thinning skin Trouble sleeping Growing heat sensitivity Fine or brittle hair Feeling tired all the time Are you still Experiencing the Symptoms above? If you are experiencing several of the above symptoms and yet your TSH levels have tested within the normal range, there is more comprehensive testing available that enables a detailed analysis and a more complete diagnosis of thyroid health. Comprehensive Testing of Thyroid Function The signs and symptoms listed above are very important clues as to what might be going on with your thyroid. A thorough consultation to discuss your specific symptoms, together with a blood test to investigate levels of TSH, T4, T3, rT3 hormones and thyroid antibodies, is recommended to get the full picture of your thyroid health. How Stress contributes to Thyroid Issues by increasing Reverse T3 Levels Reverse T3 (rT3) is one of the hormones produced by the thyroid and increased levels of this hormone may explain why you feel terrible even with ‘normal’ TSH test results. It can also help to explain why those being treated for thyroid issues might never feel quite right on any dose of thyroid hormone. Reverse T3 is manufactured from thyroxine (T4), and it’s role is to block the action of Triiodothyronine (T3), the active thyroid hormone. T3 specifically supports brain function, heart function, and digestion, and it also plays a role in your metabolic rate and bone health. The body produces a small amount of rT3 under normal circumstances, however, periods of persistent and prolonged stress can cause an increase in cortisol levels in the body. High cortisol levels then inhibit the conversion of T4 into T3, and then T4 is shunted toward the production of the inactive rT3. High levels of rT3 have the effect of slowing the metabolism - the primary function of rT3 is to be a ‘brake' on the metabolism during times of extreme stress. This explains how the knock on effect of prolonged stress ultimately can result in low levels of T3 within the cells, which causes the cells of the body to produce an inadequate amount of energy, creating the symptoms related to hypothyroidism. Stress comes in many forms, and you may not consider yourself to be under stress, but inflammation, low calorie dieting, nutrient deficiencies including iodine, zinc, selenium and iron can also contribute to elevated rT3.h. What Treatments are available for Thyroid Problems? Every major system in the body is affected by the thyroid gland so when the thyroid isn’t functioning correctly, it’s easy to see how your quality of life can quickly deteriorate. When TSH test results indicate normal thyroid function, but symptoms persist, seeing a Naturopath for more comprehensive testing will help to get a clear picture of what is really going on with your thyroid. This then allows for a targeted treatment plan to address the specific issues that are creating your symptoms. Treatments can include specific herbal remedies to support the thyroid and overall endocrine (hormone) system, together with supplements to correct nutritional deficiencies resulting from ongoing thyroid dysfunction. With a combination of herbs and supplements to support thyroid function and normal hormone balance, symptoms are reduced and patients feel much better! Book with me below.

You might have heard of adrenal stress or adrenal fatigue, but what do these terms mean? When we are under prolonged stress, whether that's external stressors or dietary/lifestyle stress we put on our bodies, our adrenal glands have to work hard to keep producing cortisol, and depending on the amount of stress, the duration, and the body's ability to manage the stress, the adrenals can become ‘fatigued’. What is commonly referred to as “Adrenal Fatigue” is often describing Adrenal insufficiency, a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones, primarily cortisol or sometimes Addison’s disease. What are the Adrenal Glands? The adrenal glands are located just above your kidneys, which are in the middle of your lower back area. These glands are responsible for secreting different hormones which act as 'chemical messengers'. These hormones travel in the bloodstream and act on various body tissues allowing them to function. In response to stressors in our life, our brain sends a message to the adrenals, getting them to spring into action to protect the body by activating the fight or flight stress response. The adrenals begin to secrete hormones including adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol to gear the body up for action. This response can be life saving in the short term but chronic or persistent, long term stress disturbs the physiological equilibrium which can contribute to hormone imbalance, immune suppression, depression and chronic fatigue. Stages of Adrenal Fatigue Lifestyle, physical and psychological stressors put constant demands on the adrenal glands. The health of the adrenal glands will determine how effectively the body can respond to stress, and importantly, how effectively you can return to a state of calm or relaxation after stress. For many of us in this modern world, there are so many stressors everyday that the adrenal glands don’t get a break! There are three stages of adrenal stress that can be identified as the adrenals become more fatigued and their ability to function begins to affect other systems in the body. Stage 1 - Acute Acute adrenal stress sees elevated cortisol and DHEA levels increased and looks like being wired and tired. Your body is in the stress response, with hyper-focussed attention, heart pumping, fast breathing rate, muscle tension and energy - you’re ready to run or fight to survive the immediate threat to your safety. Stage 2 - Adaptive When the adrenals are having to work overtime for a period of time, they will adapt to this heightened level of stress and continue pumping cortisol, but the DHEA levels will now be lowered and overall you’ll feel less energetic. You might start to feel tired more often, have trouble concentrating, and this can even lead to feelings of irritability, trouble sleeping and may notice other health problems developing. Stage 3 - Exhaustion By this stage, it's an effort to get out of bed, and you're likely reaching for coffee, chocolate and sugary foods to lift your energy. The adrenals are struggling to produce the cortisol and DHEA required and this has flow on effects to other hormones. For example, the body will begin repurposing progesterone and converting this into cortisol. This of course means that the body’s progesterone levels drop which then impacts the estrogen balance, and you can see how this can affect mood and energy. When we identify adrenal stress in the early stages, it can help to prevent more serious health problems from developing. What can you do to Support Your Adrenal Health? If you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's worth getting some testing done to determine the function of your adrenal glands. We do this by undertaking an adrenal hormone profile saliva test which is a reliable marker of the body’s stress response and a critical tool for revealing adrenal imbalances by measuring the levels of the body's Cortisol and DHEA hormones. The results of this testing, together with your symptomology and lifestyle factors, allows us to put together the complex picture of what is happening at a physiological level. Each individual will have unique lifestyle and physiological factors, and the potential treatment for adrenal fatigue will be focussed on building up the strength of the adrenals with dietary changes, nutritional supplementation and herbal remedies, relaxation techniques, massage, acupuncture, etc to help restore the body’s balance. General tips to Support your Adrenal Glands day to day Avoid stimulants - instead of reaching for that second cup of coffee or soft drink try taking some great tasting vitamin C powder in sparkling mineral water, a great pick-me-up. Eat foods rich in B group vitamins, Magnesium and Potassium - these include salads, fresh fruits, vegetable juices, sprouts, raw nuts and seeds, rice and oat bran. Avoid processed sugar - Instead of going for a sugary snack, have a medjool date or a piece of fruit with a small handful of nuts. Eat regularly - have snacks between meals to prevent blood sugar drops that can reduce your energy and concentration and cause adrenal surges (feeling jittery, nervous, aggression, anxiety or panic attacks.) Avoid drinking alcohol - Alcohol can often be associated with relaxing however it is a stimulant and especially in the evening, will negatively affect the quality of your sleep. Importantly, the body has a powerful ability to heal itself and bring systems back into balance when it has the right conditions to do so. The healthy function of the adrenal glands cannot be restored when they are constantly being stimulated into a stress response. Reducing the stressors in your life where possible, and finding ways to better manage stress are important strategies together with the dietary tips listed above to support your adrenal health. Book with me below.

PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, a condition that affects up to 1 in 10 girls and women in their reproductive years in Australia with many more cases thought to remain undiagnosed. Around 30% of women may have polycystic ovaries seen on an ultrasound during their fertile years, but this doesn’t mean they have PCOS. To be diagnosed with PCOS, women need to have two out of three of the following: irregular or absent periods acne, excess facial or body hair growth, scalp hair loss or high levels of testosterone and similar hormones found in the blood. polycystic ovaries visible on an ultrasound. However women diagnosed with PCOS often experience a broad range of debilitating symptoms that include: - Irregular periods - Infertility - Excess hair growth due to unbalanced testosterone levels - Sometimes thinning hair or alopecia - Acne and/or oily skin - Obesity or weight gain especially around the waist - Pelvic pain - Sometimes patches of thickened, dark, velvety skin - Polycystic ovaries - Sleep apnoea What What causes PCOS? PCOS symptoms are a result of alterations of the hormonal system, as well as the reproductive system, in women. High testosterone levels and problems with glucose/insulin balance are common with this syndrome, however the jury is still out on the cause of PCOS! Multiple genes have been linked to the syndrome, and women who have a mother, aunt or sister with PCOS are 50 per cent more likely to develop PCOS, further contributing to the genetic link. Environmental factors are also thought to play a part and with lifestyle and diet modifications able to make such a difference as part of treating PCOS, these can’t be ruled out as causes as well. Is there a difference between having Polycystic Ovaries and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? Because ovarian cysts are common to both, they're often mistaken as the same condition. However PCOS is a syndrome that is diagnosed when there is high levels of androgens (testosterone and similar hormones), and ovarian cysts together with a range of other symptoms. Having Polycystic Ovaries simply means more than one ovarian cyst is identified on an ultrasound. Sometimes women with polycystic ovaries will have no other signs or symptoms resulting from the cysts, other than longer periods in some cases. What are some treatment options for PCOS? Conventional medical therapies often used to help manage the symptoms of PCOS include the oral contraceptive pill, insulin-sensitising drugs, hormone therapies, weight loss drugs, antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. What is very clear to me, is that some of the symptoms resulting from PCOS can also be associated with causing the syndrome - and this may be why many patients have so much success with diet and lifestyle modifications that are designed to support the hormonal system. As a Naturopath, my approach to treating PCOS will often include specific hormone testing to get a clearer and more complete picture of the woman’s hormones that are playing a part in the various symptoms she may be experiencing. With the information available we would then create a personalised treatment plan which could include specific diet changes as well as nutritional supplementation and herbal medicines to support the balancing of the hormonal system over time. Acupuncture may also be recommended. If you, or someone you know, is suffering with the symptoms listed above, or has a diagnosis of PCOS, it's important to know that there are effective treatment options available beyond medically managing symptoms. With a syndrome like this, there is no single treatment that will cure all. Rather, there needs to be a multi-faceted approach and one that will not only improve your symptoms, but also your quality of life. This is what a recent patient shared about her experience seeing me for PCOS: “For any women in Perth who have PCOS, go see Lesley Oakes. She is absolutely fantastic! She doesn’t just say “go lose weight and then come back and we can look at it”, she actually gets straight to the core of the problem. Seeing Lesley has changed everything. My husband even cried for the first time in forever because Lesley is the first to treat me as more than just a size. I feel like a whole new person and I’m so grateful because things are finally changing for the best.” An experienced Naturopath specialising in treating hormone-related issues, especially for women during different life stages and transitions. I have helped countless patients over the last 30 years to overcome hormone related conditions including PCOS. Book an appointment with me to find out how I may be able to support you with better health outcomes. Book with me below.

Iodine deficiency is becoming increasingly more common due to depleted soils and over cropping. Recent research has indicated that severe iodine deficiency has more the quadrupled in Australia over the last 20 years. Iodine is an extremely important mineral for the health of our GLANDULAR SYSTEM which includes the thyroid, breasts, ovaries, uterus and the prostate gland and deficiency can lead to changes in these tissues including nodules, breast lumps and bumps, cysts, fibroids and enlarged prostate. Iodine is also incredibly important for our IMMUNE SYSTEM. It has powerful anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties. Now more than ever we need to be doing what we can to support our immune system and help our bodies to be more resistant to what we are being exposed to in our environment. COMMON CONDITIONS associated with iodine deficiency: Thyroid abnormalities Fibrocystic breast disease Fatigue Weight gain Depression Dry skin Brian fog Decreased fertility Heavy menstrual periods Puffy face Thinning hair GETTING TESTED Testing for Iodine deficiency is important as is doing the right test. An iodine loading test assesses iodine deficiency firstly by measuring iodine levels in a spot urine specimen, and in addition the loading test analysis deficiency using a much more sensitive technique and the amount of iodine excreted in the urine over the next 24 hours is measured. This is the best way to determine your body tissue requirements for iodine. Book with me below.

Saliva hormone testing has the benefit over serum testing that it detects predominantly unbound, active hormones which relates to how much the body has to use. This is especially important when wanting to assess the balance between estrogen and progesterone levels, a particularly important ratio in identifying many symptoms associated with hormones imbalances.

It’s normal to lose about 80 strands of hair a day. If you feel like you’re losing significantly more than that and they are not growing back at the usual rate, you might start to feel concerned about hair loss.

The cornerstone of naturopathy is effective diagnosis treated with healthy solutions and nutritional medicine. It is our main function and focus, as nutrition plays an important role into every function of our lives, holistically, physically and mentally.