Sore Breasts in Perimenopause & HRT: Iodine to the Rescue
Sore, swollen breasts in early perimenopause often come down to low iodine leaving breast tissue over-reactive to oestrogen — not a shortage of oestrogen to top up with HRT.
Sore, swollen breasts in early perimenopause often come down to low iodine leaving breast tissue over-reactive to oestrogen — not a shortage of oestrogen to top up with HRT.
Skin and bone are built from the same collagen and make their own oestrogen the same way — so as that local supply runs short in later perimenopause, deeper wrinkles and thinning bone are often one change, not two. Your skin may be a visible clue to bone you can’t see.
Pain under your right ribs that creeps round to your back or shoulder is one of those symptoms women often dismiss as “just indigestion” or “I must have eaten too fast.” In my clinic, it’s one of the clues that makes me think about your gallbladder – especially in your 40s and 50s.
If you constantly battle dark circles under your eyes no matter how much sleep you get or concealer you use, excess histamine could be the culprit.
Do you feel gassy and bloated after eating meals? While overeating can easily cause bloating, there’s another culprit that often goes unconsidered – low stomach acid production.
Rhodiola is a stress adaptogen that works on the cortisol side of menopause — the Energy Shift.
End of content
End of content
30 minutes · Free · No obligation
Not ready to book? Follow my thinking on Substack
Sandra Ishkanes Natural Menopause Specialist based in Brighton, serving clients worldwide via Online Consultations
BSc Molecular Biology (King’s College London) | DipION | Functional Medicine Practitioner
Registered member, Association of Naturopathic Practitioners (ANP) – the UK professional body for accredited naturopathic and functional medicine practitioners. ANP members hold accredited qualifications, carry professional indemnity insurance, and follow a strict code of ethics.
© 2026 Sandra Ishkanes · sandraishkanes.co.uk
Approach · Work With Me · Case Studies · Meet Sandra · Writing · Book a Discovery Call
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Sandra Ishkanes is a Functional Medicine Practitioner and Molecular Biologist, not a medical doctor. Always seek the advice of your GP or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or supplement regimen—especially if you are currently taking prescription medication or HRT. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.