Menopause: A Welcome Change

At present, millions of North American women are menopausal. The majority of these women begin to experience the symptoms of menopause between the ages of 45 and 59. However, some women undergo symptoms at an earlier age. Menopause is marked by a decrease in the levels of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. The more common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, insomnia, memory loss, anxiety, decreased libido, hair loss, thinning of the skin, irregular bleeding, arthritis, osteoporosis, and vaginal dryness. A healthy diet is very important in combating the symptoms of menopause. Menopausal women should focus on a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low fat sources of protein, such as lean meats and legumes. Nutrient-rich foods, including soy and ground flax seeds, should be incorporated into the diet in liberal amounts. Fibre-rich foods should also be increased. Calcium containing foods, such as nuts, seeds and green-leafy vegetables should be integrated to maintain bone health and to aid in proper muscle function. Nutritional supplements are extremely important for the menopausal woman. B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and zinc are just a few of the many vitamins and minerals that can help to minimize the symptoms of menopause. A fish oil supplement rich in the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA is important in maintaining healthy brain and heart function. GLA, another essential fatty acid, is important in maintaining healthy skin and combating the muscle pain that some menopausal women experience. Herbs have been used for centuries in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Black Cohosh is a herb that is widely used as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy. This herb has been used to effectively treat hot flashes, vaginal dryness, anxiety, night sweats and headaches. Dong Quai is a herb found in many menopausal formulas and is used primarily in the treatment of hot flashes and to relax the uterine muscles. Some herbs, such as Ginseng and St. John's Wort, are used to treat the anxiety, depression, insomnia and fatigue that many women experience during menopause. Many women view menopause as a negative transition in their lives. They see it as a sign of getting older and as an indication of declining health. It is extremely important to address the huge emotional impact that menopause has on a woman. Some women feel less desirable to their partners and this in turn can lead to feelings of depression and isolation. Research has shown that the occurrence of menopausal symptoms is affected more by a woman's emotional state than by the level of hormones in her body. Menopause should be seen as a positive turning point in one's life. It is a time to reflect, to embrace new opportunities and to enjoy life. Menopause does not mark the end. Rather, it signals a new beginning.