Managing Menopause
Women, if you have arrived at this time of your life called
pre-menopause and menopause, take heart, it's not as bad as it's
been made out to be and you can manage menopause with very
little effort. The best idea is to share and learn from each
other. Some women can share some tips from grandma and some can
share the latest from the 21st century, and together more than
half the population of the United States will transition right
through.
The first stage, called pre-menopause, will begin anywhere from
the late 30's to the early 40's. Slight mood changes, missing a
period occasionally and slight weight gain are all indicators of
this stage. There are generally two paths to choose from, either
the natural or the chemical hormone replacement therapy that is
available from your doctor. HRT, as it is commonly called, is
very common for women to take. It is relatively easy, but side
effects do include cancer, heart problems, and simply the
artificial addition of a chemical into your system. Our bodies
are eliminating estrogen for a reason and though we don't want
to get completely depleted, this is the way the body is supposed
to be behaving.
The other option is the natural way, with minimal chemicals
added from the doctors' office. More and more women today are
opting for this method. Natural vitamins and herbs can be used
to help reduce the symptoms you are feeling and allow you to
have a calm transition. Start by adding soy protein to your
diet. Soy is known to work especially well in a woman's system
to harmonize mood swings and strengthen her system. Women in the
Orient have been using it for centuries. Next, make sure you are
taking a good vitamin supplement daily. It might be necessary to
add more calcium and magnesium because the woman's body needs
more than a man's. Try taking some extra vitamin C, E or Lipoic
acid to increase anti-oxidants in your blood stream which will
fight off free radicals and consequently promote looking
younger. Good tip! Two herbs that are known to support women in
menopause are Dong Quai and Black Cohash, to reduce hot flashes.
These tips will help you in this time of your life, but
remember, wherever you are - that's exactly where you are
supposed to be, so don't fight it!