All sorts of myths and misperceptions shroud this natural cessation of a woman's menstrual cycle and ability to bear children. Menopause can bring about near pubescent levels of moodiness and irritability in the strongest women. Common natural occurrences during this adjustment Period are irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and low libido.

Some women also experience loss of concentration, sleeplessness and headaches when the aforementioned physical symptoms overwhelm them. Women can feel like they are going crazy unless they remain in touch with themselves and their bodies at this precious time.

Exercise

Aerobic activity floods our systems with good hormones like endorphins and sweat flushes out bad ones such as cortisol. Yoga and pilates can ease headaches, aches and pains as well as build muscle to combat weight gain common during menopause. Ballroom dancing and amateur club sports like tennis make staying fit fun.

A designated time to focus on self-care is just as beneficial as exercise itself. Of course, exercise is one of the most recommended family activities we neglect. Women can set up regular times to hike, swim and go dancing as a family to have exercise allies.

Openness

We celebrate girls when they start their periods and educate them on how to care for themselves during it. This same openness and honesty can accompany the period when the menstrual cycle ends. People you must share conversation about your life change with are:

• Spouse or Partner
• Children
• Trusted Co-Workers
• Long-Term Friends
• Primary Care Physician or Therapist

You may be surprised at the advice other women (and some men) have to offer from their experiences of going through menopause or living with women who have.

Sex

Intimacy is a stress-reliever, but many women become self-conscious or uncomfortable with their bodies during menopause. As a result, they cut sex out when they need it most. Rather than mourning the loss of fertility, women should give thanks for the children they had and welcome freedom from pregnancy.

Menopause is an exciting time to reconnect with a long-time partner or experience the joys of a new one. Regular sex in a trusted relationship encourages women to maintain beauty rituals and keep fit at every age. Couples can even have fun experimenting with surface lubricants and vaginal suppositories to account for natural moisture changes.

Vitamins and Nutrition

Menopause causes changes in estrogen levels, bone density and metabolism. Vitamins from food and excellent nutrition minimizes risks of moodiness and lost focus at best, and fractured bones and a tilt into obesity at worst. A new vitamin regimen can tackle menopause.

• Omega-3 fatty acids support healthy brain functioning and lower risk of depression.
• Vitamin D and Calcium fortify bones and increase energy.
• Chromium addresses problems of weight gain such as high blood pressure and increased risks for diabetes.

Of course women should consult their doctors on how these vitamins could interact with medications they are taking.

Menopause never has to be bad word. It can be an empowering period of growth, self-awareness and better health. Whether women view it as the start of new freedoms or the end of their lives depends on a proactive, holistic approach anyone can start today.