Natural Menopause

I am often approached by women either in my practice or online who want to know the most “natural” way to approach menopause.

It’s really quite simple if you think about it.

What is more natural than just allowing yourself to move through menopause? If you think about it, it’s rather un-natural to attempt to prevent or delay the onset of menopause. We are suppose to “do menopause” if you will…that is the natural order of things.

Taking estrogens (and progesterone if needed) opens us to several known risks and possibly a few unknown. The benefits, other than symptom control, appears to be on the bones.

There are things you can do to support your body as it makes these changes. None of it is new or revolutionary.

1. Eat a healthy diet. Lots of vegetable, grain and fish, small amounts of healthy fats will support your body as it changes. A healthy diet will include natural phytoestrogens among other nutrients that are important to you overall health.
2. Exercise – get moving – every single day for at least 30 minutes. It will keep your bones strong, help you achieve and maintain and healthy weight and keep your brain and heart functioning at peak levels.
3. Socialize! Believe it or not, people who socialize live longer and healthier lives than those that don’t. Just please don’t socialize with people who are going to complain all the time!
4. If you diet does not afford you plenty of calcium, consider taking a calcium supplement. Don’t forget the trace minerals and the Vitamin D.
5. Brain Exercises – Just like your bones and heart, your brain needs to be exercised as well.  Ready, do word and math puzzles, or perhaps consider the new Ninentendo games for brains – Brain Age and Brain Age 2.
6. Adjust your Attitude:  While I left this as the last thing on this important list, it’ actually the most important. You attitude will guide everything about your health and well being. Think of it this way…you know how when you are driving and you are focused on something at the side of the road, your car seems to steer in that direction? Your brain, will do the same. If you are focused on having an unpleasant menopause experience you will. Period. So adjust that attitude.

As you can tell, having a great menopause experience is much like healthy living. The best thing about it is…you don’t have to do anything else.