Menopause is a natural hormonal change marking the end of a woman’s fertility. This typically occurs around the late 40s or early 50s. Some women go through it when they have a hysterectomy. This is not something a woman should be afraid of, it is simply a transition.

As a 60 year old, Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, I find many women are reluctant to discuss this. Yet, they experience, fatigue, depression, mood swings, hot flashes, increased abdominal fat and or decreased libido as they shift into menopause.

This physical change can be difficult to handle as symptoms may include:
vaginal dryness, decreased sexual drive, brittle nails, lackluster hair, as well as susceptibility to diseases like breast cancer, osteoporosis and hypertension, which may cause stress and anxiety. However, many women breeze through menopause.

Here is a list of my favorite (less conventional) ways believed to help a woman handle menopause with finesse!

1. Eat a well ­balanced diet. I’m sixty and did not suffer from typical menopause symptoms, even though I had a hysterectomy in my forties. I believe this was (in part at least) because I am a vegetarian and have eaten mostly organic food for the last 27 years. I think a diet high in fresh, organic fruits, vegetables and other whole plant-based foods is a major factor in easily moving through this transition.
2. Water is a key nutrient for health. Drink plenty of high quality water. I try to avoid chlorinated and fluoridated tap water. Remember, just because we are drinking liquid, does not mean it is hydrating. Many people suffer from dehydration. In order to stay hydrated, I divide my weight in half and drink that many ounces of water a day, between my meals. I drink a whole glass of water first thing in the morning, before I even get out of bed. I also drink about 18 ounces of water at least an hour before a meal and again 2 hours after a meal.
3. Vitamin D is paramount for optimum health and we need more of it as we age. You can have your physician check this with a blood test.
4. Acupuncture and homeopathy treatments have both been shown to have very positive effects on menopause.
5. Exercise can help release toxins, promote proper blood circulation and increase joint stability. Exercise can also help combat other negative effects typically associated with menopause.
6. Eating more fresh vegetables, eliminating refined sugars and refined carbohydrates is the best way I have found to keep my weight under control. Limiting alcohol intake is also very helpful.
7. Relax! Please remember to pamper yourself. If you start to feel down, have a therapeutic massage or spend some time in nature. Connect with friends who are going through this phase too (or ones who have already experienced it).

These are just some of the ways to help relieve stress, especially when adjusting to this chapter of life. Sharing menopause experiences with friends or family can be very comforting. You may even find yourself laughing at the situation, which can be very healing in itself.

With the right knowledge and correct attitude, a woman can successfully go through menopause with finesse!