Menopause

I went through menopause in my mid 40s, which some say is fairy early to start the transition. What I hated most about it was the perimenopausal state. I felt like I had the onset of the flu and my eyes itched like crazy just before I finally got my period. Then it was the "when" I got my period. Who knew? It either came in the normal 28 day cycle, or it sometimes skipped a month and showed up the next. My feeling was just get it over with; the full cycle of menopause did finally come to an end about three years later.

It has been twelve years since I began menopause. The chills and night sweats are no longer an issue, but I'm left with a thinner head of hair (although I did not lose it as my sister did), a thicker middle and a reflection of a woman who I do not recognize.

Exercise does help. I did exercise and walk and it did seem to help keep the symptoms at bay. I also noticed that stress played an important part as to creating the beginnings of a hot flash. Once I realized that, I tried to keep my usual stress level down. This wasn't easy because I worked in advertising; not exactly an industry that is stress free.

The one thing I did not do was take synthetic hormones. I see no reason to ingest them and subject myself to the adverse side affects that can crop up. I am a believer in holistic healing, and try to eat as naturally as possible and take a combination of minerals that are right for me.

If you are in the throes of menopause and are leaning towards taking hormone treatments, consider a visit a naturopathic doctor before you do so. You would be surprised what you find out about your body and your healing. I did not go until after menopause was completely over, but my health has actually improved since I have begun visiting my naturopath.

Some advice - hang in, keep busy, walk whenever possible, try to eat sensibly (operative word here is try - it doesn't always work, we fall off the good eating habits wagon, but at least give it a shot. I'm not always successful in doing so myself), and try not to despair. Life does go on, just a little differently. Work with it, and it will work for you.