More than 40 million women in North America can expect to live at least a third of their lives after menopause.Today's medical professionals often view menopause as a point in time focused on estrogen deficiency rather than aholistic process because of the centuries of negativity about the change of life.There is a lot of misinformation about menopause, aided and abetted by the heavy focus on youth culture and the desire to push aside anything that suggests "aging."It shouldn't be that way.It is part of the progression of every woman's life and is celebrated and respected.
Step 1: Make a choice.
You can either face menopause angrily and in denial, or you can make the most of the transition period to set yourself up for the rest of your life.If you find yourself overwhelmed by symptoms, stop and breathe.Say, "I accept this change."
Step 2: You're still a woman.
It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that your womanhood is reduced after you've had children.You are no less a woman.One of the most unifying experiences for women is menopause.This change can be used to connect with other women.You can create bonds with other women by talking about these changes.
Step 3: Reawaken your purpose.
For many women, menopause is a time of redefinition of roles, interests, and purpose.Many women find that this is a good time to reflect on where they have been.Is there something you have always wanted to do?Is it time to end the relationship?Is it time for you to put yourself first and get what you want?
Step 4: Anti-stress techniques can be used.
If you feel stressed during menopause, the hormones will add to these feelings.Consider ways to reduce stress instead of reaching for a pill.Is it possible to handle your workload differently?Is it possible to take up yoga, meditation, and a gym class?Hot flashes can be helped by deep breathing exercises.It takes practice but is effective.
Step 5: Good health is maintained.
A healthy body will help you through this transition.For this change in your life, use good food, water, and exercise.You can use food to improve your mood.The "menopause super-foods" include fruit and vegetables, fish, beans, and sugar-free foods.Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.The cells in our body have different levels of hormones.Exercise can be used to maintain a good mood and physical health.Exercise has been shown to lower the intensity of hot flashes.
Step 6: Accept yourself.
It will be more difficult to keep off weight.Accept the change instead of complaining about it.Is it time for you to take up more space?If you can't accept a change, look in the mirror and say, "I accept my new body." In time, you will believe yourself.
Step 7: I like the clarity of vision that comes with menopause.
It's a time to rebirth yourself, change your focus, and start exploring your own needs.When you stop stifling your own needs in favor of others, you can start making changes to forge on with a positive future.
Step 8: Grieving.
There are parts of your life that are no longer important to you.To welcome in the next stage of adulthood, find a ritual to farewell that part of your adulthood.You can throw a menopause party.Take a trip.You have always wanted that tattoo.
Step 9: Pick up where you left off.
You probably had more plans for yourself before the juggling act of your earlier decades overwhelmed you.It's time to return to those dreams.Go on a pilgrimage, start a business, or return to a rusty career.
Step 10: Find strength in your friends.
Look to your friends who are going through the same thing as you.Unburdening yourself in the company of trusted and understanding friends can relieve many concerns and assure you that you're in good company.Share your stories.Support each other.They should laugh together.
Step 11: You can read books about menopause.
Pay special attention to those written by women who have experienced it.Reading about other women's experiences will help you understand the variety of possibilities during menopause, as well as reassuring you that you're not experiencing menopause alone.Dr Christiane Northrup's The Wisdom of Menopause: The Complete Guide to Physical and Emotional Health during the Change is a good book to start with.
Step 12: You should learn what to expect.
Books and the internet can be used to research physical and emotional symptoms.Knowing what to expect will make you feel better.You can work through these moods by tracing them back to the reality of menopause.
Step 13: There are a variety of stories.
Women's magazines often feature stories about the dreadful journey women go through when they experience menopause.The reality is that these stories highlight the less usual experiences, but that doesn't mean it's a reflection of the average experience.Good or neutral experiences are reflected in books and articles.
Step 14: Talk to other women.
If you don't know what to expect from menopause, you'll be more vulnerable to the horror stories, the pressure to undergo treatments that you might not want to have, and the worry that your changes are out of your control.It is possible to hear first hand accounts from women that you know.You will be exposed to a lot of different experiences.
Step 15: You should trust what you know.
Information leads to wisdom.Trust your intuition, your critical thinking skills, and your body to tell you what's true for you as you absorb information on menopause.You know a lot more than you think.