"Cooling The Fire": Perimenopause & Menopause Supported By Contrast Therapy

Understanding the role of estrogen, metabolism, and how to feel good again

If you’ve ever felt like your energy changed after 40 — or noticed that the things that used to work (fasting, exercise, or even a full night’s sleep) suddenly don’t — you’re not alone. And you’re not imagining it. There’s real science behind these shifts, and the key may lie in how estrogen interacts with the tiny energy factories inside your cells: your mitochondria.

Let’s explore what’s really happening in your body — and how contrast therapy (alternating between cold and heat) can help you restore energy, improve metabolism, and feel more balanced during perimenopause and menopause.

Estrogen Does More Than Just Regulate Periods

Estrogen is often thought of as the hormone that controls your reproductive cycle, but that’s only part of the picture. It has a powerful role in how your entire body uses and creates energy.

It influences:

• How your body burns fat

• How efficiently your cells produce energy (called ATP)

• How you respond to stress and inflammation

• How flexible your metabolism is (your ability to switch between burning carbs and fat)

In short: estrogen helps keep your engine running smoothly.

Your Mitochondria: The Energy Factories in Every Cell

Your mitochondria are tiny structures inside nearly every cell in your body. They turn food into usable energy. And they’re most efficient when estrogen is present to support them.

During your reproductive years, estrogen actually stimulates mitochondrial activity, helping your body produce more energy, burn fat more easily, and recover better from stress. A 2017 study even found that female muscle cells with estrogen had stronger mitochondrial activity than male cells — especially in endurance situations.

So What Changes in Menopause?

As you move into perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels begin to decline — and those cellular power plants get less support. That’s when symptoms often appear:

• Lower energy and motivation

• Brain fog and poor focus

• Difficulty losing weight

• Less stamina and slower recovery

• A general sense that your body isn't “bouncing back” the way it used to

But here’s the good news: you can wake up those mitochondria again — and one powerful, natural way to do it is through contrast therapy.

How Contrast Therapy Helps Support Hormonal and Metabolic Health

Contrast therapy is the practice of switching between cold and hot exposure, such as cold plunges and saunas, or cold showers followed by warm baths. It may sound simple, but the science behind it is powerful — especially for women in midlife.

Here’s what happens:

• Cold exposure triggers the body to activate brown fat (a type of fat that burns energy instead of storing it), increases circulation, and boosts your alertness and metabolism.

• Heat exposure (like saunas or hot baths) helps reduce inflammation, supports detoxification, and promotes hormonal balance.

By alternating between the two, you create a healthy “stress” on the body that encourages it to adapt, rebuild, and become more resilient — both physically and mentally.

Real Benefits for Women in Menopause

Women who regularly practice contrast therapy report:

✅ More energy and better mood

✅ Improved sleep

✅ Support for weight management

✅ A calmer nervous system

✅ A deeper sense of connection to their body

It’s not just about feeling “tough” or trendy — it’s about supporting your changing body in a way that’s grounded in real science.

Join a Menopause Contrast Therapy Workshop

I’m excited to offer monthly contrast therapy workshops specifically designed for women in perimenopause and menopause. These sessions are gentle, educational, and empowering — no previous experience needed!

You’ll learn:

• The science behind hormonal changes and energy metabolism

• How to safely use cold and heat exposure

• Simple ways to bring these practices into your daily routine

• How to feel more you again

  
  

Upcoming Workshops

🧊 “Cooling the Fire” – Contrast Therapy for Menopause

📅 Date: Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

🕒 Time: 6:45 PM– 8:15 PM

📍 Location: Rose’s wellness garden, 15 Goldwater Springs, Nailsworth GL6 0AH🎟️ Booking: Click here to secure your ticket

✨ Next Date Friday 8th August 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM. September and October dates to come — stay tuned via email and social media for monthly sessions!

About Me

Hi, I'm Rose, a certified Contrast Therapy Instructor, Reflexologist and health coach. I specialise in women’s wellness, with a particular focus on helping women navigate perimenopause and menopause in a grounded, informed, and empowering way. My approach is based in both science and deep care — helping you feel strong, connected, and supported during this life phase.

👉 Ready to feel better in your body? Visit my website to book your place

or find out more.