The Menopause Acronym: Your Best Solution

There is nothing harder than saying goodbye to a close friend; and that is why we bid farewell to our fond pal, menstruation, with tantrums, tears and tablets! For so many years, we have eagerly awaited 'that time of the month', standing proof that we are young and feminine and have many good 'Hot' years ahead of us. Then the show comes to a sudden stop and we are left sad and confused. In Rachel Green's words, "It's the end of an era!" Menopause rears its hideous head wiping out any trace of the sexy, effeminate woman we once were!

When you finally reach that stage when your periods have gone missing for a long time, you are riddled with dry spots and itches, your body can't seem to decide which temperature to settle in and every activity leaves you feeling as tired as a grasshopper in a gale; you are officially in the peri-menopause phase! Thought it feels like a Mean, Exhausting, Never-ending, Outrageous, Painful, Annoying, Ugly and Sweat-filled Experience, the trick to mastering this world actually lies in its name.

M-' Menopause' is just your fertility system shutting down. It is a natural phenomenon and currently almost 30% of the women in the world are exactly where you are now!

E- Eat Healthy. You are what you eat. The right food is filled with the necessary minerals required to replenish the depleted nutrients during menopause. Also stay hydrated at all times as this will combat most of your physical symptoms.

N- Nightly rest is very important. If you are facing nocturnal insomnia, consult a therapist to prescribe something to help you relax. Many have tried natural supplements such as Amberen when they are going through menopause. A good sleep is vital to give your stressed out body the break it needs.

O- 'One day at a time' is the secret mantra! Menopause will slowly, but steadily, finish its course leaving you refreshed and strengthened with a fresh exuberance to enjoy the next stage of your life.

P- Periodic visits to the doctor are NOT optional. As your body ages, you must get yourself examined on a regular basis to make sure everything is fine. Don't worry, this is not a paranoid trip that indicates something must be wrong. To the contrary, these check-ups will assure you of your healthy status, and should there be a problem, it can be detected and treated at the earliest.

A- Accept your situation and mature gracefully. Many women go into a denial mode when they reach menopause, refusing to accept that they are officially over-the-hill. Age is an asset one must adorn with pride. Take pleasure in the fact that you ready to reap the benefits of your lifelong hard work!

U- Understanding your symptoms is crucial to knowing what your body is going through and treating it in the right way. The large repository of information available on menopause is not meant to frighten you, but to adequately ready you for battle.

S- Stay positive. Smile as much as you can. Laughter, not only psychologically but also biologically, reduces stress; allowing you to handle your symptoms and mood swings better.

E- Exercise regularly. A fit body is the window to a steady mind and a strong soul!