How Breathwork Can Support Hormonal Balance During Menopause
Initially, I mistook my night sweats for symptoms of a cold or fever. However, as they persisted and I started feeling discomfort in my left hip, sleep became difficult to achieve. Despite receiving little support from my gynecologist, I took it upon myself to research and turned to my sister, Jeanna Terzano, Founder of Glow Midlife, for advice. She recommended Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for preventative measures.Â
As a breathworker, I use breathing techniques to manage different aspects of my life, such as reducing anxiety, recovering from surgery, and dealing with daily stress. I realized that if breathing could help in these areas, it could also have a positive impact on my hormones. Embracing this idea, I incorporated breathing as a valuable tool to complement the changes in my body due to HRT. I am eager to share the knowledge and insights I have gained from my personal journey of navigating through breathwork and hormonal support.
Hormones and breath are intimately connected and their relationship plays a crucial role in your overall well-being. The way you breathe can directly influence your hormonal balance, and vice versa. By consciously modifying your breathing patterns through breathwork practices, you can change the body’s chemistry, restore key systems like the nervous system, and support your body at the cellular level.
For women in perimenopause or menopause, breathwork can be a game-changer. Regular practice can help ease common symptoms and serve as an excellent companion to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), aiding in the metabolism of hormones. Essentially, incorporating breathwork into your daily routine can be a cornerstone of aging gracefully.
So where do you begin? To begin, start by simply observing your breath. For me, HRT was a new territory so breath awareness was essential and still is in my journey. Notice how breath fluctuates throughout the day and identify what might be triggering those changes. Observe how your breathing influences your mood, physical state, and even your thought patterns. For instance, if you’re experiencing night sweats, your breath may become shallow and rapid, making it difficult to fall back asleep. While I was experiencing brain fog, I noticed I held my breath to try and control it and make it go away, well, I was just adding fuel to the fire. Breath awareness is a powerful tool that sheds light on the truth and the present moment and can help calm your nervous system and bring your body back into balance.
After building awareness, focus on creating evenness in your breath. Aim to match the length of your inhales to your exhales—perhaps starting with a four-count inhale followed by a four-count exhale. Gradually adjust the count to suit your comfort, ensuring that your breath feels balanced. This balance can, in turn, help to stabilize your hormonal levels.
Even breathing was like chocolate to my menopause symptoms…it made me relaxed, balanced, and feel whole again. If you’re interested in integrating breathwork into your life, I’m here to help.
With so many different techniques available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. It’s also important to consider any medical conditions or other factors before beginning a new practice. Together, we can find a breathwork approach that suits your unique needs—a safe and supportive way to navigate your menopausal journey.
Ready to get started? Reach out today, and let’s explore how breathwork can enhance your well-being during this important stage of life.Â
Author: JennyLind, Founder of Infinite Wellco– Lifestyle Strategist & Yoga Therapist/C-IAYT
Instagram: @infintiewellco
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