Dear Reader,

Although menopause is a natural phase of life, it can bring with it some hormonal changes that cause unpleasant side effects for many women. Menopause marks the end of menstruation and fertility and is a natural biological process. While many people joke about the menopausal symptoms, they are not at all funny to the women who experience them.

Common menopause symptoms include night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, fluctuations in sexual desire, forgetfulness, sleep disturbances, increased abdominal fat and fatigue. The age at which a woman begins menopause varies widely, with the average age being 51. However, it can occur as early as the mid 30s or as late as the 60s.

The drop in estrogen levels can lead to depression, anxiety and fear in some menopausal women. A diet rich in soy products (tofu, soy milk and soy powder) can be helpful because it has ample amounts of phytoestrogens, which can help achieve balance when hormones are fluctuating.

Sleep disturbances are very common among menopausal women. Research has shown that some women begin to experience restless sleep as many as five to seven years before entering menopause. Valerian can be useful in treating sleep disturbances and is also helpful in relieving anxiety and tension.

Women approaching menopause often complain of memory loss and an inability to concentrate. Misplaced car keys, skipped appointments, forgotten birthdays and other memory lapses are a normal symptom of menopause. The memory loss is associated with low levels of estrogen coupled with high stress levels.

One of the universal complaints among menopausal women is the weight gain that seems to come along with it. During menopause, your body does not burn calories as efficiently as it once did. Foods high in potassium, including most fruits, promote healthy water flushing throughout your body.Natural alternative supplements are also very helpful for many women.

Some fortunate women do not experience hot flashes at all during menopause, but most women do. The number and severity of hot flashes varies from woman to woman. In some women, estrogen production decreases gradually, producing only a few hot flashes. But for others, the ovaries stop estrogen production abruptly, causing frequent and extreme hot flashes. Black Cohosh is believed to be effective in the treatment of hot flashes.

It is important for menopausal women to get 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity at least five days a week to protect against cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and other conditions associated with aging. Exercise can also help reduce stress.

One of the most important things you can do during menopause is to be good to yourself. Schedule regular massages, take a yoga class, learn a new dance step, plant an herb garden, listen to soothing music and read inspirational poetry. Make some time for you and remember that the best years of your life are just beginning.

Yours in good health,

Sheila McCormick
Editor, IVL Health Watch