Understanding and Embracing Menopause

Every day, an estimated 6,000 women in the United States reach menopause.

Menopause, when periods stop for good, is a natural part of the evolution of a woman’s life. It marks the permanent end of fertility and is usually confirmed when a woman has not menstruated for 12 consecutive months and it is not due to other medical causes.

It is important to understand that if you're experiencing chronic fatigue, trouble sleeping, mental and physical fatigue, mood swings, or depression, during your late 40's or early 50's, chances are your body is embarking on the journey to menopause.

Women have different attitudes towards menopause. Some women embrace menopause as a natural and liberating experience, while others consider it a hot flushy nightmare. Many women don't realize they're experiencing menopause at all and attribute their symptoms to stress or their lifestyle.

It’s true that unpredictable hormone fluctuations can cause headaches, irregular periods, hot flushes, night sweats, sleeping difficulties, frequent urination, mood swings and facial hair. But these symptoms typically disappear once the ovaries have officially retired.

Menopause can be troublesome but it can also be liberating, empowering, and amazing — if we allow it to be. How do we go from hating to accepting, embracing and even loving menopause?

Whether we see it as the worst thing, or the best thing that happens to us. It all comes down to mindset and how we perceive menopause.

Menopause means you do not have to deal with tampons, pads, or any other period-related annoyances and do not have to worry about getting pregnant either. By learning to take care of yourself and developing a healthy lifestyle and mindstyle, you can deal with menopausal discomfort successfully.

Menopause marks a major transition and heralds a new autonomy for women. With a positive mindset you can make it work.

For additional menopause information and support, join the MenoSquad.