Key Points Covered:

1. Perimenopause vs. Menopause:

   • Perimenopause starts around age 35-40, lasting 2-15 years before menopause, marked by hormonal fluctuations.
   • Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period and is a natural life stage, not a disease.

2. The Four Female Fundamentals:

   • Nervous System: Managing stress and achieving a balanced "green light" state is critical for mental health during this phase.
   • Metabolism: Hormonal changes naturally slow metabolism, affecting weight gain and energy levels.
   • Nutrients: Focus on nutrient-dense foods, especially protein, and minimize alcohol and exposure to toxins (e.g., xenoestrogens).
   • Blood Sugar: Stabilizing blood sugar through regular meals and avoiding "naked carbs" helps prevent energy crashes and mood swings.

3. Symptoms of Perimenopause:

   • Shortened cycles, irregular periods, and spotting due to lower progesterone levels.
   • Hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, tender breasts, and weight gain linked to fluctuating estrogen.
   • Other signs include muscle weakness, dry skin, headaches, and brain fog as hormone levels decline.

4. Understanding Hormonal Imbalances:

   • Estrogen and progesterone imbalances lead to symptoms like heavy periods, uterine fibroids, and breast tenderness.
   • Testosterone increases can result in hair growth and muscle loss.

5. Natural Ways to Manage Symptoms:

   • Lifestyle changes: sun exposure, regular movement, muscle-building exercises, and grounding techniques.
   • Focus on balancing the four fundamentals for overall health and symptom management.

6. Hormone Therapy (HRT):

   • Bioidentical hormones vs. synthetic hormones: How to choose the right form based on personal health history.
   • HRT can help with symptoms like anxiety, hot flashes, and low libido, but should be used cautiously based on individual risk factors (e.g., cancer history, blood clots).

7. Nervous System Support:

   • Techniques for moving from a stress-induced "orange light" state to a balanced "green light" state include mindfulness, reducing overwhelm, and pleasurable activities like dancing.

8. Practical Tips for Menopause:

   • Supporting the body through balanced meals, regular exercise, and managing environmental exposures (toxins).
   • Protein intake, muscle-building exercises, and metabolic support are key to maintaining energy and overall health during menopause.

Ideal Audience:
Women in their mid-30s to 50s who are navigating or preparing for the perimenopausal and menopausal stages. Women seeking natural, sustainable approaches to managing symptoms and improving overall health would greatly benefit from this workshop.