Most women arrive at perimenopause the same way, somewhat blindsided because 94% of women received little to no education about the phases and symptoms of menopause beforehand. So they find themselves piecing it together in real time, between the night sweats, the 3 a.m. wake-ups, the brain fog, and heightened anxiety. What we’re learning now is that what’s happening isn’t just hormonal, it’s neurological, physical, emotional, and energetic as well, affecting the whole body in various ways.

As estrogen fluctuates, the nervous system becomes more sensitive, which is why some symptoms can feel so intense, even on days when nothing significant seems to be happening. While you may feel on some level like you’re falling apart, your body is actually working hard to find a new normal and it’s doing so largely without the right support. Some of the latest research can help you feel more empowered to better understand and minimize what you may be experiencing symptomatically.

Studies show that the brain temporarily loses volume and energy during menopause before stabilizing again, and that women with better circulation and lower inflammation tend to move through this phase more smoothly.

Hot flashes are now understood to be linked to cardiovascular function, and they can also be triggered when blood sugar drops too quickly. Therefore, eating balanced meals with protein and healthy fats, avoiding long gaps between meals, and reducing refined sugar can noticeably reduce how often and how intensely these symptoms occur.

Not surprisingly, the gut also plays an important role in all of this too. A collection of bacteria known as the estrobolome helps regulate estrogen in the body, and when gut health is compromised, hormonal shifts can feel more abrupt and more difficult to manage. 

You may have guessed that sleep, stress and supplementation can also impact your ability to cope with these hormonal changes as well because everything is interconnected. It’s been found that women who sleep fewer than seven hours during perimenopause are significantly more likely to experience depression and more severe hot flashes than those who sleep longer.

We already know that stress can negatively affect the body at any stage of life, but during menopause, its impact can be even more pronounced. In fact, women who report higher stress levels experience symptoms up to four times more severely than those who are generally more relaxed. Something as simple as slow, deliberate breathing by inhaling for four counts, and exhaling for six, can activate the parasympathetic response and directly counteract the stress hormones that worsen symptoms. Practiced twice daily, this has been shown to reduce hot flash frequency by up to 50%!

Perhaps stress is such a huge factor because it can take a big toll on the adrenal glands. Adrenal health in fact, is one of the most underrated priorities of this entire transition because they become the body’s primary estrogen producers once the ovaries slow down. Who knew? 

It’s also important to note that as estrogen declines, so does the body’s ability to retain magnesium, which directly impacts sleep, mood, and muscle tension. Therefore, even simple supplementation, when needed, can make a meaningful difference.

Interestingly, in some cultures, women report very few symptoms at all, something researchers link to diet, lifestyle, and how the experience is perceived. When menopause is seen not as a loss, but as a transition or even a form of renewal, the body seems to respond differently. It becomes clear that this is not just a biological event, but is also shaped by environment and how supported a woman feels through this transition.

At Sun Kyeong Toronto, we have noticed that women who come to us with more severe symptoms from menopause generally have more blockages and stagnation in their energy system. Once they experience a Qi energy session, circulation improves and many describe feeling lighter, calmer, and more resillient.  As their energy increases and their stress decreases, they often make better food choices and sleep eaiser. As their nervous system becomes calmer, it supports adrenal function and lessens hot flashes which we now know can affect the heart. 

And while this conversation often focuses on women, men experience their own version of hormonal transition as well. Sometimes called andropause, it unfolds more gradually, with subtle shifts in energy, mood, sleep, and clarity over time. Because it happens slowly, it’s often overlooked or dismissed, even though they too, would would benefit from making some lifestyle changes and by receiving Qi sessions.

If you are looking for a way to reduce symptoms and to improve your wellbeing overall, feel free to get in touch and book a Qi energy session today.