Can Lymphatic Drainage Help with Menopause Symptoms?
Let's talk menopause.
You've probably heard about it but did you know that 100% of females will go through menopause if they live long enough? Yet it is something that the medical community talks very little about, often leaving women to struggle with alone.
Menopause is a natural transition that happens when a woman's menstrual cycle stops for 12 consecutive months. Menopause can happen naturally or be surgically induced such as a hysterectomy.
This transition starts with perimenopause which happens to women up to 10 YEARS before Menopause, often around the late 30's or early 40's. During this time hormones (mainly estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) begin to fluctuate and decrease causing irregular and shorter periods. This can also be when menopausal symptoms can begin. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can last for 7 to 14 years (usually ending around age 60).
When asking most people what they know about menopause they usually say hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings, however, there are at least 30 different symptoms that women can experience during this transition. Symptoms range from physical, mental, emotional, and often neurological issues.
Hormonal imbalances can lead to several problems including widespread inflammation, dry skin, hair loss, weight gain no matter what diet and workout routine is followed, joint pain especially in the hips and shoulders, headaches, brain fog, increased irritability, constant fatigue, and on/off illnesses. A well-functioning lymphatic system can reduce the effects of menopause and allow the body to manage this transition time easier.
What is Lymphatic Drainage?
Lymphatic Drainage is a special type of gentle massage that uses light, repetitive strokes to stimulate the liquid lymph system to clear slow, jammed, or pooled areas of lymph. The liquid lymph system has capillaries, vessels, nodes, and ducts that cover almost the entire body. If working effectively, the lymph system can remove excess toxins, boost immunity, balance hormones, calm the nervous system and promote healthy collagen growth. It can also help with water retention, mood swings, insomnia and fatigue.
The wide variety of menopausal symptoms can cause stress and worries. This can raise cortisol levels in the body which can decrease collagen and impair healing. It also will increase DHEA (a steroid hormone) which has the ability to change into estrogen and progesterone. The DHEA responds to moderate the excess cortisol. When they interact, it causes an imbalance in the hormone levels.
The Journal of Physical Therapy Science stated, “After just a single lymphatic massage the stress-related hormones cortisol and DHEA were significantly reduced with positive mental and physical effects being reported”. The study showed that Lymphatic Drainage can reduce cortisol levels by 44% and DHEA levels by 27% in a single treatment.
The study also stated that lymphatics “reduces the level of stress-inducing hormones and eliminates their waste products, free radicals, which can cause premature aging.”
“the lymphatic system is absolutely critical in treating almost every single chronic health issue including hormonal health.”
Lymph drainage has a positive effect on physical symptoms such as fatigue. Tests done before and after therapy indicated a significant decrease in fatigue. The gentle pressure on the skin surface during massage is sent through sensory receptors transmitted through the nervous system. This happens by stimulating the nerves, immune system, and endocrine system - which is a network of glands and organs that uses hormones to control metabolism, brain function, energy levels, stress, mood, plus much more.
By being able to effect several systems simultaneously, lymphatic drainage treatments are a simple and relaxing way to manage distressing peri - and menopausal symptoms. And stress often makes this whole system struggle.
Book Now
〰️
Book Now 〰️
Interested in trying out Lymphatic Drainage? Click the button below to book with our Lymphatic Drainage Specialist, Holly!
