Menopause is a natural life transition experienced by every woman in the world. Approximately 630 million women are over the age of 50, yet menopause continues to be dreaded, discussed in whispers and treated like a disease. Despite our aging population, most women simply havent been given the information, skills, resources and support necessary to approach this time of life with confidence and ease.

Menopause refers to a point in time rather than a span of years. Its defined by 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. When you reach menopause, you have already endured the most symptomatic time. Perimenopause, the 2-12 year phase preceding menopause, can begin long before you associate your symptoms with the change. This is a time of wildly fluctuating hormones and a chain reaction of symptoms that will affect every aspect of your life - mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Each phase of your transition requires that you stay in touch with your body. In perimenopause, your symptoms alert you to the areas of your life that need attention. Consider them a loud and clear wake up call to encourage positive change. The turbulent years of perimenopause give way to the silent symptoms of menopause and post menopause. Preventing age and hormone related health conditions like heart disease and osteoporosis require your attention from this time forward.

Identify what youre experiencing as normal to regain a sense of control. Seeing the list of perimenopause and menopause symptoms will bring a sigh of relief. Youre not alone, and youre not going crazy! Next, eliminate the possibility of any common midlife health conditions. Hypothyroidism, adrenal exhaustion, chronic fatigue, blood sugar issues and fibromyalgia mimic and intensify the symptoms of your naturally changing hormones.

Support your changing needs with a healthy diet, stress management, exercise, quiet time and a positive mental attitude. A multiple vitamin and mineral complex, essential fatty acids, plenty of B vitamins and at least 1,200 mg of (absorbable) calcium daily is a strong foundation to build on. To this, you can add specific supplements, herbs, and holistic modalities that will safely and effectively address the symptoms of estrogen dominance and/or estrogen deficiency.

A holistic approach to perimenopause and menopause reveals that midlife is about far more than uncomfortable physical symptoms. Its a transformative time, rich with opportunities for personal growth, renewed health and authentic living. This natural transition is occurring precisely as intended and is preparing you for next chapter of your life. Its time for you now. Retreat, rest and nurture yourself. Take time to reflect, reevaluate, restore and reinvent yourself for the second half of life. Embrace the change!

Copyright 2005, Michelle Morris Gluth, Holistic Menopause, All Rights Reserved