The physical and emotional changes associated with perimenopause and menopause can be overwhelming. Struggles with falling or staying asleep, fatigue, brain fog, hot and cold flashes, mood swings, anxiety, and a loss of motivation are common [1, 2, 3].
Unfortunately, many women in their 40s and early 50s experience these challenges while simultaneously enduring burnout due to emotional overwhelm caused by various stressors [4]. Symptoms of burnout similarly range from fatigue to brain fog and worse [5].
At the same time, depending on personal circumstances, women may also experience unprocessed traumatic flashbacks, relationship difficulties, a lack of support at work, job loss, and, for some, nowhere to turn [6]. In addition, women may be responsible for caring for elderly parents, other family members, or their children. You and other women like you should not have to go it alone [7].
Isolation may stem from the fact that most providers are not trained to support women in perimenopause and menopause. In a recent survey, only 31.3% of OB/GYN directors reported that their programs include a menopause curriculum [8]. Asking for support from uninformed providers who have yet to do their research could lead to minimal guidance. Alone in front of their computers or cell phone screens, women turn to Dr. Google for help. Online and in-person discussions with family members and friends may or may not follow.
Holly Paquette, the certificated founder of Rebel Heart Holistics, wants to do more for perimenopausal and menopausal women, using techniques that are not entirely mainstream but could be. Her decision is based on knowledge passed down for centuries and years of personal experience and client interactions.
Holly Paquette
As far back as the mid-1970s, Paquette immersed herself in whole foods and holistic health. In 1994, she began practicing yoga; in 1996, she became a Reiki master teacher; and in 2007, she started learning Jin Shin Jyutsu, which she continues to do today. Paquette also dedicated six years of her life to trauma therapy. And recently, she obtained a certificate in Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA). Currently, Paquette is in the process of expanding her professional practice to incorporate HTMA, foods and supplements, yoga, Reiki, and Jin Shin Jyutsu with the hope of providing comprehensive, in-depth holistic support for women in their 40s and 50s who also report feeling burned out and exhausted.
Akin to blood and urine tests, HTMA is a screening tool used to assess patients or clients and form the basis for understanding health needs. “According to David Watts, PhD., HTMA is used by researchers at universities, private institutions, and federal and state agencies. Many chiropractors, nutritionists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals use HTMA in their clinical practices since they are interested in preventive medicine,” says Paquette. “However, they also use other clinical tests in conjunction with patient history when evaluating.”
HTMA results in a nutritional screening that allows practitioners to make more accurate dietary and nutritional recommendations rather than merely guessing what someone may or may not need. “Without the HTMA lab results, it’s not possible to make educated recommendations. Balancing minerals helps the body and mind, particularly in terms of the gut-brain connection, digestion, heavy metal detox, liver support, hormone balance, and, ultimately, emotional empowerment from the physical transformation,” Paquette says. “In addition to the HTMA results, I use an intake form with health & medication history and lifestyle questions, the Nutritional Therapy Association’s 320-question Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire, and their Food and Mood Journal to round out my assessment. This information helps identify triggers and sensitivities, which enables me to develop customized bio-individual recommendations.”
Articles abound on foods and supplements that can help alleviate the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Foods such as wild yams and tofu comprise the perimenopause or menopause diet [9, 10]. Supplements include black cohosh and vitamin D [11, 12]. “But, for many women, it’s trial and error,“ Paquette admits. “Start, stop, and try something new. HTMA will demystify the process, identify areas of concern, and help women make the right food and supplement decisions for their bodies.”
Most seeking support will be familiar with yoga, the meditative movement practice in a variety of forms, that can help perimenopausal and menopausal women improve their physical and mental health, sleep, stress management, and overall well-being. “I practice yoga, pranayama (breathwork), and meditation regularly. Pranayama is an incredible tool to manage stress anywhere, whether you’re at work or in an airport,” Paquette says. “I also teach pranayama and meditation as part of my holistic wellness practice. If clients feel called, I recommend they practice asanas/flow at their local yoga studio or in their home using preferred poses or online videos.”
Reiki is a form of energy healing that is inspired by ancient practices. The name combines the Japanese words “rei,” or universal, and “ki,” or vital life force energy. “I incorporate Reiki when called by my clients to aid in full-being relaxation,” Paquette says. “I find that Reiki works especially well on the heart and spirit, bringing peace, calm, and, often, valuable insights about our inner world. I also teach my clients a simple hand placement to allow them to practice the relaxation technique independently.”
Similarly, Jin Shin Jyutsu improves energetic flow by harmonizing various functions, which may relieve symptoms. “As taught by Mary Burmeister, I place fingers or hands over points called Safety Energy Locks (SELs) or I use my clients’ hands,” Paquette says. “They often report an immediate ease of symptoms or a relaxation response. At the end of a session, I usually leave clients with a finger hold that they can easily practice to maintain their health regimen at any time.”
Holly Paquette has chosen to help women who are perimenopausal or menopausal and burned out because they should not have to suffer and experiment with options in isolation. (Please note that she also welcomes pre- and post-menopausal clients.) With Paquette’s support, you, too, can take specific, evidence-based action to restore your physical energy, experience mental clarity, and regain the motivation to achieve optimal health and wellness.
Paquette’s holistic health practice offers a range of services and uplifting possibilities. “Women experiencing perimenopause or menopause have a wonderful opportunity,” she says. “This period of change allows women to reconnect with themselves, do rewarding work to achieve new health goals, and live well.”
Contact Holly Paquette at Rebel Heart Holistics for more information on taking charge of your health and wellness so you can feel better during perimenopause or menopause, recover from burnout effectively, and thrive.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice.
Photo credits: Henry Ford Health (first photo), Freepik, Holly Paquette
References
- Santoro N. Perimenopause: From Research to Practice. Journal of Women’s Health (Larchmt). 2016;25(4):332-339. doi:10.1089/jwh.2015.5556
- What Is Menopause? Cleveland Clinic. Accessed October 2, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21841-menopause
- Menopausal Cold Flashes. EverydayHealth.com. Accessed October 2, 2024.https://www.everydayhealth.com/menopause/what-are-menopause-cold-flashes/
- Hammock S. Women are too important to let them burn out. So why are half of us already there? USA TODAY. Accessed October 2, 2024. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2024/04/10/workplace-burnout-work-life-balance-women/73191349007/
- Contributor WE. Burnout: Symptoms and Signs. WebMD. Accessed October 2, 2024. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/burnout-symptoms-signs
- CTSS SL SPHR, MBA. The Relationship Between Trauma & Burnout. HLWF TM Alliance. July 6, 2023. Accessed October 2, 2024. https://medium.com/hlwf-healthcare-healthtech-lifesciences-wellness/the-relationship-between-trauma-burnout-11e77a679134
- Feeling isolated and alone in perimenopause and menopause. Accessed October 2, 2024. https://www.avogel.co.uk/health/menopause/videos/feeling-isolated-and-alone-in-perimenopause-and-menopause/
- Most OB/GYN residency programs in US lack dedicated menopause curriculum. Accessed October 2, 2024. https://www.healio.com/news/womens-health-ob-gyn/20230810/most-obgyn-residency-programs-in-us-lack-dedicated-menopause-curriculum
- The Perimenopause Diet: Know the Facts. Healthline. May 2, 2016. Accessed October 2, 2024. https://www.healthline.com/health/perimenopause-diet
- Menopause Diet: How What You Eat Affects Your Symptoms. Healthline. November 23, 2018. Accessed October 2, 2024. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/menopause-diet
- Geller SE, Studee L. Botanical and Dietary Supplements for Menopausal Symptoms: What Works, What Doesn’t. Journal of Women’s Health (2002). 2005;14(7):634. doi:10.1089/jwh.2005.14.634. Accessed October 2, 2024.
- Supplements for Menopause Symptoms. WebMD. Accessed October 2, 2024. https://www.webmd.com/menopause/ss/slideshow-menopause
👁 Jennifer DiOrio is a freelance health and medical writer advancing outcomes for women, the LGBTQ+ community, and people in other marginalized groups through empowered partnerships. She is also a trauma survivor. To learn more or to reach out about a writing project, visit Synergy Communications.
