Coping with Menopause

Menopause is a normal part of life that will affect most women at some point or another in their life. This is the time when the levels of estrogen and progesterone are not as productive in a woman's body and will continue to decrease as she gets older. The less the woman's body produces these hormones, the more her periods will begin to fluctuate, become irregular and sooner or later stop.

These things usually begin to surface anywhere between the ages of 42 to 55. However, a woman can begin to have symptoms, such as mood swings, depression, anxiety, bloating, weight gain and hot flashes while in her 20's to 30's and not realize that her body is in the early stages of menopause.

Age has no factor when it comes to menopause and its symptoms. There are certain things that can trigger the symptoms or cause a woman to have an early menopause. Some of them are having a hysterectomy, thyroid disease, childbirth, a family history of early menopause and stress. Stress can and usually does play a big role in initiating the symptoms of menopause and can sometimes bring them much quicker than anticipated.

If you are experiencing symptoms of menopause, there are ways to help your body while it is in this transition. Eating a healthy diet with lots of nutrients and vitamins is a very good start. If you are not already doing so, this would be a good time to begin taking supplements like calcium for your bones and a complete multivitamin with the vitamins A, B, C and E in it.

These vitamins will help to give your body what is lacking during menopause and may also help to alleviate, regulate and ease the symptoms. Getting enough exercise, daily will also help to keep your bones strong, promote a good supply of oxygen and circulation through out your body and strengthen your heart. Not to mention, exercise helps to reduce stress. Take a walk for about 20 to 30 minutes and you will feel better, while helping your body at the same time.

Menopause is normal change for a woman and does not have to be a bad thing. Although, the symptoms may not be very pleasant, there are a variety of treatments available to help make menopause bearable. Research the options for treatment, carefully and ask a lot of questions, so you will have the knowledge and understanding you need to help you decide what is right for you.

I wish my family had researched the options for my mother. She used synthetic hormones as her treatment for 10 years and was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was the first to have breast cancer, as it does not run in her family. Synthetic hormones are said to be okay to take for a short period of time but if you need long-term treatment, natural hormones are very effective and will help to regulate your hormones.

Many women dread menopause but it is not something to be dreaded. Instead, this is a time in a woman's life when the new and beautiful woman is revealed, as she is unveiling and discovering her unique and vibrant beauty.