There is so much buzz around microdosing these days and yet, there is also misinformation, stigma and fear as women enter various stages of their hormonal fluctuations. It may be a younger woman challenged for years of PMS with pain, rage, weepiness, sugar cravings or the perimenopausal woman feeling like she has just re-entered puberty with all of the craziness of the roller coaster ride.
Only this time, there may be health challenges – high blood pressure, diabetes or pre-diabetes, overweight, cognitive changes, osteopenia, joint pain and more. And of course, as estrogen declines, vaginal tissue weakens and thins, as well as libido often plummets while insomnia is on the rise.
Not every woman experiences symptoms or health challenges, but many do and these can be imbued with other life stressors such as aging parents, kids leaving the house, job and relationship changes.
When a woman expresses her concerns, the first suggestion often is to start an SSRI or other antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication and while these may be effective, they have many unwanted side effects – worsened libido, weight gain, stomach distress and a very dampened affect or “no emotions” at all.
I educate women about the potential for using very tiny amounts (microdoses) of psilocybin to support women experiencing any of the above symptoms. I like psilocybin because the research shows potential benefits in all of these areas without the weight gain and in fact, psilocybin lessens the desire for sweets and alcohol and does not libido. Additionally, microdoses of psilocybin increases BDNF(brain derived neurotrophic factor) which supports bone health, cognitive function and cardiovascular health.
An important aspect of how we use this education is to work with clients in the preparation for using the medicine, to be very self-aware during the trial period (keeping a journal of emotions, physical symptoms, passions and desires) and to continue with integrating any new ah-ha moments that may arise. The reason for this is that we live in a culture of taking the “pill to cure the ill” and we now see that this approach no longer works! It is time to look within for why one wants to heal, what is it that she wants to bring forth – her passions and gifts – and to use this supplemental support to soften the rough edges, to support healing in mind, body and spirit and to once again feel alive with joy.
