WHAT THE HECK IS MENOPAUSE -Living Well Is The Best Revenge

During the menopause, a woman's body begins to slow its
production of oestrogen. This change in hormone levels can
cause irregular periods, hot flushes, unexplained anxiety, night
sweats and vaginal dryness.

Some women also experience aches and pains, mood swings,
anxiety and insomnia (difficulty sleeping).

The menopause is a significant change in a woman's life,
but it is not an illness. The changes of the menopause are normal
— natural.

This does not mean, however, that the menopause is always
easy. Hot flushes, vaginal dryness, aches and pains and signs of
ageing can be difficult to adjust to.

Women seeking help around the menopause are often given
information only about hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

There are some natural and complementary approaches to the
menopause

To relieve these symptoms, many women are advised by their
doctors to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
But HRT may not be right for every woman. Some women feel
the risks that come with HRT are greater than the benefits. For
example: if a woman takes HRT for more than five years, her risk
of developing breast cancer increases. There are also higher
risks of developing blood clots.

Other women simply do not want to use chemical treatments for
what is a natural, normal stage in life.

Some of the natural treatments and approaches have limited
clinical research to back them up. This does not mean they do
not work.

Unlike conventional medical treatments, natural therapies are
personalised. This can make them more difficult to study in a
controlled environment.

They are, however, supported by the personal experiences of
thousands of women who have tried them. We have chosen
approaches with the most evidence to support them.

Note: Many women use natural progesterone cream as an
alternative to HRT. This leaflet does not look at natural
progesterone because, although part of it comes from a wild yam,
it is chemically created.

Housewife Mafia does not endorse one health care
approach over another. We believe all women should
have the information they need to make informed
choices about their own health and well-being.