Episode 74: Managing Menopause Naturally with Caroline Gaskin
Caroline Gaskin
““Menopause as a journey, the “autumn of our lives”. Menarche as spring. The analogy of cherry blossom in the Spring, moving through the fruitful years of the cherries and the incredible colour of cherry leaves in the autumn””
Caroline Gaskin is a Homeopath and Natural Health Coach and specialises in hormonal balance and managing menopause naturally.
In the early 90’s she had her children and started to work in PR for natural parenting, complementary health and organic nutrition.
As her children grew, she re-connected with her spiritual path of observing nature & began to study natural medicine.
In 2000 she qualified as a homeopath and has post graduate certificates from the College of Practical Homeopathy and the Hahnemann Academy of North America.
She’s studied flower essences in Western Australia and Alchemy Energetics and has attained the full Permaculture Design Certificate.
Through creative writing, drawing and the permaculture principles Caroline helps clients to create a sustainable health plan and explore transition.
Menopause as a journey, the “autumn of our lives”. Menarche as spring. The analogy of cherry blossom in the Spring, moving through the fruitful years of the cherries and the incredible colour of cherry leaves in the autumn
The herb and homepathic remedy ‘Agnus Castus’ to address period issues, bring puberty on (if it’s late), achieving balance at menopause
Winter as a time of wisdom
Autumn - gathering wood from the trees, for the winter stores. It’s important to set store for the next season of our lives
Human beings are one of the few species that has menopause
Menopausal symptoms such as depression and confidence issues have been a taboo, but are starting to be talked about more
Dr Louise Newson has been working to educate GPs to differentiate between depression and menopause
Early menopause, perimenopause (things starting to change), menopause
Blood sugar changes are considered
In nomadic cultures, where women live closer to the earth, women don’t go through menopausal issues
“The toxic timeline of the 20th and 21st century”- environmental factors such as pesticides (hormone-mimicking) and gut flora imbalance that affect our health
“Holy trinity: increasing essential fatty acids, diversifying the gut flora, increasing magnesium. Absorbing minerals and detoxifying more efficiently
The Victorian ideas of constitution and temperance
Meg Matthews, ‘The New Hot’ (Caroline has written a couple of chapters in this book)
Preparing for the peri-menopause
Thyroid issues and menopausal symptoms
Caroline now leads birdwatching groups
Living as mammals in groups and the importance of social connection
Brain-fog, lack of concentration and memory issues
Menopause cafes in the workplace
Lying down for a non-negotiable 15 minutes a day, without a phone
Hot flushes affect around 50%
Sleep issues are more common
‘Thinning out the trees’: what do you want in your life and what are you prepared to negotiate on?
Body-identical hormones and bespoke treatment
Access issues of some treatment options. That’s where group work can be a good option
Symptoms such as breathing issues, herpes and tinnitus can be linked with menopause
The thyroid and immunity
Vaginal dryness: vitamin E internally, natural lubricant, calendula cream for cuts and sores (Neal’s Yard), douche with calendula tincture
“Breathing into the back of the body and not always facing forwards”
Natural progesterone cream
Shock or trauma and the effect on health and the hormonal system
Resources:
Managing Menopause Naturally Facebook Group
‘Bird is the Word: Nourish Your Mind, Heal Your Body and Detox From The Digital World’
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Sign up for my free course ‘5 Days to Wellness with Ease’