Embracing menopause with a positive attitude

Menopause a turbulent time for women. Hormone levels drop quickly, which causes period to slow to a stop, and some other symptoms set in. But one must consider that menopause is a natural part of life.

Menopause is the time when women are no longer able to get pregnant naturally as the ovaries permanently stop releasing an egg every month.

It usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, as a woman's estrogen levels decline. The median age of natural menopause is 51.

Menopause is recognised to have occurred after one year of no menses.

Most women experience menopausal symptoms. Some of these can be quite severe and have a significant impact on everyday activities.

Anxiety and depression are frequently observed in women who are in the transition to menopause as well as those who are officially menopausal.

Exercising and eating healthy, finding a self-calming skill to practice -- such as yoga, meditation, or rhythmic breathing, staying connected with family and community and nurturing friendships are some tips to handle fluctuating emotions.

Some other common symptoms are vaginal dryness, hot flashes, chills, night sweat, sleep problems, thinning hair and dry skin, loss of breast fullness, sexual dysfunction and urinary symptoms. The symptoms can begin before menopause including the final menstrual period.

During menopause, lack of estrogen affects various systems in the body such as a rapid loss of bone density.

The decline in estrogen, along with other risks factors, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and a sedentary lifestyle, leads to an increased risk of heart attacks and stroke.  

According to NHS, replacement therapy link tablets, skin patches, gels and implants relieve menopausal symptoms by replacing estrogen.

Cognitive behavioural therapy can help with low mood and anxiety.

Menopause is different for each woman. In general, the symptoms of perimenopause last about 4 years.

The transition to menopause can be a difficult time in a woman's life for many reasons, but it can also be rewarding and offer many surprising benefits. Many women say that once they got through it, they could go back to living their lives fully and that they even had increased energy and better focus.

Many studies show that women can improve experiences, and reduce symptoms, simply by exploring a new, more positive mind-set.

So, combine positive thoughts, a healthy lifestyle, and relaxation techniques.