Treating menopause systems seems to be as controversial as any other disease or illness we encounter as humans. As with most ailments, there seem to be a number of ways to treat menopausal systems. First, let's identify common symptoms.

Hot Flashes - We all know of someone who has hot flashes - this is when the room temperature is 70 degrees; however, it feels like 90 degrees to her. Then within moments, that same room feels like 60 degrees. Dizziness or faintness may occur as well.

Night Sweats - For most, hot flashes occur during the day, but for others they occur primarily at night where women wake up drenched in perspiration. This interruption in sleep often can create even more havoc with hormone levels.

Unexplained Weight Gain - The truth of the matter is, women don't get fat and yet they experience metabolic changes between the ages of 45-55. This is normal, yet many do not accept the maturing body image as such. Instead, they diet and exercise only to find that that extra 10 pounds won't go back to where it came from.

Vaginal Discomfort - This includes itching, dryness and pain. The cells in the lining of the vagina often become thinner and less resistant due to a decrease in estrogen and androgen. Let's face it our bodies have been around half a century.

Frequent Urination - Though this is a very common, yet troublesome symptom, there are many, unfortunately, that experience urinary tract and kidney infections. As with the vaginal discomfort, the urethra and bladder tissues become thinner and therefore more susceptible to irritation and infection.

Skin Changes - Topically thinning, drying and wrinkling of the skin are most common signs.

Other Symptoms - Mood swings, increased facial hair, thinning hair, body odor, gastrointestinal distress, tingling or shock sensation under the skin, bleeding gums, anxiety or panic attacks, increased headaches or fatigue and memory lapses.

There are many times that women between the ages of 40 and 55 experience some or many of the above symptoms; sufferers tend to believe they are just going out of they're minds, not realizing the changes that are occurring within them. Women wish, just sometimes, that men shared some of they're biological changes, instead of reaping the glories of becoming distinguished?

So how do women overcome the difficult times of menopause? Most go to the physician and he/she prescribes medication to create some kind of hormone balance. However, others prefer to take a more natural course to get through this difficult time of change.

Women who use herbs and nutrients with food content, as well as a balanced diet and exercise, in addition to sharing their experiences with either a close friend or counselor believe they are going through this life change "as nature indented it to be".

There are many different companies from which to purchase natural products and your doctor cannot prescribe these natural cures. So if you choose to go it the more natural way, get advice from the experts - do your research, it's well worth the time and always let your physician know what you're taking.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Menopause