MENOPAUSAL

This starts at various stages in women. I don't feel anyone should approach it with fear, rather it should be entered into with an open mind and proper diet. What is the menopause? It's the time of life when the monthly ceases. You might say praise the Lord and that's it. I wish it were really as easy as that. Some people sail through whilst others have a rough time.

As for me, it just seemed endless. The hot flushes were so uncomfortable. When it all started, at times I felt as though I was going mad. I wanted to strip off all my clothes. Short cotton sleeves, constant fanning and sleeping with the fan on. Just a thin sheet to cover regardless of the season and lots of ice water whilst my husband would be shouting "what's the matter with you?" Everyone is freezing and you are hot. No sympathy there, even though I explained what was happening to me.

I chose not to take HRT. I wanted to do it naturally. So off to the health shop where I was introduced to: Photo Soya and Black Cohash. These calmed down the panic feelings and left me feeling in charge and not the other way around. As women, we have a lot of experiences, from puberty, menstruation, childbirth and motherhood to the menopause. Don't forget to visit your doctor. Our God is able to take us through as He promised it all. Timothy 2 v 15.

Seven Key Symptoms

· Absence of menstrual periods for at least six months.

· Hot flushes (a sudden sense of heat in the face, neck and upper back lasting less than a couple of minutes).

· Night sweats (which may interfere with sleep).

· Irritability, nervousness, or depression.

· Poor concentration or memory.

· Vaginal dryness with painful intercourse.

· Loss of interest in sex.

Seven natural supplements

· Black cohosh: a relative of the buttercup, treats menstrual problems, hot flushes and vaginal dryness.

· Siberian ginseng: a general tonic for both men and women.

· Chastebury: fruit of the chaste (Vitex) tree recommended for both PMS symptoms and hot flushes.

· Dong quai: is often referred to as the 'female ginseng.'

· Soy isoflavones: act as phytoestrogens.

· Evening primrose & borage oils: regulates naturally occurring hormone chemicals i.e prostaglandin's.

· Get regular exercise: promotes heart health. Lightweight strength training protects bones.

Seven quick tips

· Increase your intake of calcium-rich foods and vitamins D for healthy bones.

· Regular intercourse increases tone and lubrication of vaginal tissues.

· Replacement K-Y jelly can improve vaginal lubrication.

· Avoid alcohol; coffee, chocolate and spicy foods. These can worsen hot flushes.

· Practice deep breathing exercises, this can reduce flushes by 50%.

· The essential oil clary sage, either inhaled or added to a hot bath can help relieve hot flushes.

· Take frequent soaking baths in tepid water, this reduces the body
temperature.