by Sofia Moreau

For an expansive era of our lives as women, we are acquainted with the monthly visitor that is menstruation. However, when we approach perimenopause, it can feel like a part of our identity is subtly slipping away. And somehow, we are left unprepared for this transformative pivot, confusing hormonal turbulence with pregnancy or an unknown ailment.

The perimenopausal phase is activated when your ovaries start producing fewer eggs, leading to a drop in progesterone levels. This hormonal shift may usher in fewer periods, irritability, mood swings, concentration hiccups, fatigue, migraines, and insomnia. But don’t fret, ladies! Here’s where the age-old practice of yoga comes in, offering a soothing salve to alleviate many of the common symptoms experienced during this phase of life.

The Healing Power of Yoga in Perimenopause

Yoga has been widely acknowledged to curb the release of cortisol and assuage feelings of anxiety and depression. It enhances the quality and duration of sleep, stimulates melatonin secretion, and improves symptoms of migraines. Even a mere 20-minute yoga routine can lift brain fog and augment your information processing ability.

Choosing the Right Yoga Style for Perimenopause

Given the hormonal whirlwind enveloping you during perimenopause, a vigorous yoga routine may not always be desirable. Instead, consider opting for slower, more calming yoga genres such as floor-based Yin yoga. Gentle Hatha classes or restorative yoga, which emphasize slowing down, opening your body with passive stretches, and practicing stillness, may be especially beneficial. Yoga Nidra is another wonderfully effective practice that completely relaxes your physical being and rejuvenates your mental state via profound inner awareness.

Yoga Poses & Practices to Assist During Perimenopause

SUPPORTED SEATED FORWARD BEND is ideal for alleviating anxiety and mood swings. It gently massages your abdominal organs, activating the vagus nerve which triggers your parasympathetic rest and restore mode.

The LEGS UP THE WALL pose bestows instant migraine relief and amplifies your energy levels while promoting optimal blood and lymph flow.

Consider the SUPPORTED BUTTERFLY POSE to ease pelvic congestion and fatigue. This pose heightens blood flow to the pelvic area, ameliorating irregular periods.

BREATH PRACTICE, sitting peacefully with one hand on your heart and the other on your belly, promotes sound sleep and cultivates self-acceptance. This practice allows you to attentively listen to, reconnect with and befriend your whole body, nurturing a sense of compassion for your changing self.

A Special Offer for You!

To assist in guiding you through this challenging period, we’re collaborating with Movement for Modern Life to offer a three months’ complimentary access to a library of yoga streaming resources. This includes the insightful ‘Menopause for Modern Life’ course.

So ladies, evolve with grace through perimenopause, leveraging the power of yoga to navigate this phase with greater peace and calm.

yoga for perimenopause, menopause transformation, women’s health, relieving perimenopause symptoms, navigating perimenopause, healing power of yoga, yoga styles for Perimenopause, Supported Seated Forward Bend, Legs Up the Wall pose, Supported Butterfly Pose, Breath Practice