The Importance of Gaining Wisdom of Menopause

For every woman, there is power in having knowledge and wisdom of menopause. This year alone, there will be over 60 million women in the United Stages alone that will reach menopause. The average age for a woman to stop having her menstrual cycle is 51 years old, but perimenopause can begin as early as age 30. Keep in mind that no woman experiences menopause in the same way. For example, some women will experience symptoms that are quite harsh while others experience no symptoms. A positive attitude seems to have the most impact on the transition of menopause, helping the physical body fight symptoms and accepting the body’s emotional changes.

Some of the common symptoms of menopause can include insomnia, heart palpitations, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, irregular bleeding, skin dryness, mood swings, memory loss, and weight gain, to name a few. However, a first defense against menopausal symptoms is through gaining wisdom of menopause. In the past, menopause was often viewed as a negative experience for a woman but in reality, menopause is a natural part of life. By eliminating the mystery and misconceptions of the change of life, women can be better prepared to handle the outcome. In doing so, many women choose to use natural methods to help minimize menopausal symptoms, treating the whole woman to make menopause a more positive experience.

Since every woman's body is different, not one method will work for everyone. Women can make the choice for natural alternatives and with that choice, she can gain the wisdom of menopause. One method for treating menopause symptoms is aromatherapy. By using oils used in a bath, a massage or inhalant, the woman becomes relaxed. Aromatherapy seems to generate symptomatic relief of emotional and physical symptoms, such as rose or peppermint oil for hot flashes, rosemary for fatigue, neoli or geranium for vaginal dryness, lavender or jasmine for emotional stress, and lemon balm, rose or cypress for overall relief.

Another method for treatment of symptoms is deep breathing, which helps to lower blood pressure, heart, pulse, and respiratory rates, reducing anxiety and overall stress. Diet is one of the most important keys to help menopausal symptoms. A low-fat, high fiber, and leaf green vegetable diet will bring about less symptoms, and the elimination or reduction of caffeine, sugar, salt and alcohol has been known to minimize symptoms as well. Certain herbs have phytoestrogen (plant estrogens) qualities, which is why so many woman use herbs such as red clover, chaste berry or black cohosh for hot flashes or night sweats, panax ginseng or damiana for low libido, or St. John’s Wort, kava, dong quai for emotional stress.

Women have also gained wisdom of menopause by learning that exercise helps to minimize and eliminate menopausal symptoms as well as osteoporosis. Yoga, aerobics or walking for 30 minutes, three times a week are just a few suggestions, but the important thing is to keep the exercise regular. Even sexual activity provides physical benefits for menopause. It is good exercise and helps the hormonal levels, vaginal muscle tone and lubrication. If a woman has problems with vaginal dryness or painful intercourse, she should try a lubricant or cream that is available at the local pharmacy. By understanding the natural process that a woman’s body is going through and maintaining a positive attitude, aging and the effects of menopause can be tolerated far better. Research proves that gaining wisdom of menopause helps women get through the physical, sexual and emotional problems associated with menopause and will lead to better health overall.