Menopause Help by Jane Thurnell-Read

Sadly the ‘menopause’ is often seen as a very negative time by many women: the changes in their bodies are seen to herald the beginning of old age. However many women will spend as much time as an adult after the menopause as before. There is the possibility that this time can be a time when a lot is achieved, or that it can be a particularly carefree time. A recent study carried out on behalf of the petrol company Jet showed that the over-55s are the happiest group in Britain. An American friend of mine is a real example of someone who sees the benefit of getting older. She spends her time going on long cycle rides, visiting friends and joining in various national and international political protests. She told me that she’s fortunate because she has no one who is dependent on her financially or emotionally, so that she can do exactly what she wants. This is so different to many women who feel the independence of their adult children has led to their own lives being without value, purpose and excitement.

So rather than seeing the menopause as the beginning of the end it is much more appropriate to see it as a new and exciting beginning. Making time for exercise, eating good fresh food, spending time with loved ones and friends, and taking up new interests can all help this transition.

But what if you do have menopausal symptoms? Reaching for HRT as a first resort is surely not the right thing to do, when there are many safe and effective natural treatments for the menopause.

Cigarette smoke, alcohol and caffeine inhibit the body’s ability to absorb a whole range of minerals, so tea and coffee will make it difficult for your body to absorb calcium and magnesium, vital minerals for bone health and stable emotions. At the very least, if you’re taking a mineral supplement, don’t wash it down with tea or coffee. Better still also reduce your intake. Try some of the herb teas, grain coffees or just plain hot water, with or without a slice of lemon.

Increasing your intake of soya products has also been shown to reduce menopausal symptoms. (Plain tofu - available from health shops and many supermarkets -covered in polenta grain and then fried quickly till crisp in olive oil makes a quick and tasty basis for a meal.)

Herbs have a good history of being of help to menopausal women - try Menostage or Wild Yam & Soya Cream. If you suffer with vaginal dryness try Yes Intimate Lubricant. If you have emotional menopausal symptoms, try taking the Australian Bush Essence Woman.

Get the right support, take a positive attitude and those post-menopausal years can be a time of excitement and fulfilment.

Copyright 2009 Jane Thurnell-Read | Natural Menopausal Help