Alternatives for HRT – Interview with Ali Williams
As more and more women consider taking HRT and with the press recently highlighting shortages in some medications, it is worth remembering there are those that can’t or do not want to take it. What are the alternatives for them? Aromatherapy is one of the things that could help to alleviate their symptoms or be an added boost alongside HRT.
Fay sat down with Ali Williams, founder of the Lavender House which provides a quiet sanctuary to relax and bring balance back into your life. Fay wanted to find out how Ali managed her menopausal symptoms, through the use of oils.
Did you take HRT?
I began to experience symptoms of peri-menopause around the age of 45, but, like many women, it took some time for me to realise that I was entering this stage of my life. As my symptoms gradually worsened, I did think about HRT – but 15 years ago it wasn’t really an option for me.
Why?
To be honest, from what I had seen and read in the media, I was scared of the detrimental effects reported by the press. Increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke and blood clots. Back then (2007) the internet was in its infancy and it was not only difficult to find the information I wanted, but when I did it was very negative. My doctor wasn’t keen on prescribing it and saw it as a `last resort’ and as I didn’t know anyone taking it – or admitting to taking it – it was a decision I had to grapple with on my own.
What was the worst thing for you regarding your menopause?
There are a couple of things. The first was the overwhelming feeling of isolation – not being able to talk about it, or knowing all the facts about peri-menopause. My Mum just called it `the change’ and said women just had to get on with it. The second was the rage. I’m fairly placid by nature – but the rage, anger and frustration really scared me and I felt out of control at times.
I just didn’t know where it was coming from and I thought I had some kind of brain dysfunction. Luckily, I had a very understanding husband, who although he was as much in the dark as me about peri-menopause he quietly and calmly took a step back and let me rant it through.
How did you manage your symptoms?
Badly to begin with because peri-menopause crept up on me, there was no real defining moment when I thought I needed help. However, I’d always used essential oils in a diffuser and it was while I was buying some that I read that Geranium and Clary sage were good for balancing and calming. Over the subsequent years I followed up this research and began to use more and more essential oil blends in my diffuser. I found the aroma soothed my moods and calmed my spirits – it was the only thing I had to help me through.
Why did you set up the Lavender House?
With early retirement on the horizon, I began to think about how I wanted to spend my time. I signed up as a Neal’s Yard Remedies Independent consultant and my love of pure essential oils was rekindled. I then decided to take my knowledge further by signing up for my Diploma of Clinical Aromatherapy and eventually passed with distinction. That’s when I set up The Lavender House Having been through the menopause and survived, I felt I could empathise and guide others through this changing time in their life with or without HRT.
What did you learn?
Through my studies, I learned how beneficial aromatherapy and essential oils are. It’s a holistic approach for mind, body and spirit. Although Menopause and HRT are much talked about in the press now, I am thankful that aromatherapy helped me through a tough time and continues to be part of my life now as I enter a different phase.