Menopause should not be viewed as a time of despair and loss, but a time of greater wisdom and respect. Take time to nurture yourself, take care of your body, indulge in a hobby, learn a different language or new skill, volunteer, or enroll in gym. Or do any of the things you wanted to do when you were younger but somehow never find the time. Many women may experience depression, irritability, fatigue, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, weight gain, or fluid retention, mainly because of decreased levels of estrogen hormone. To make the transition into menopause easier on your body try all or some of the following: Calcium prevents osteoporosis and hot flashes. Eat more foods rich in calcium such as low fat milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, seaweeds, almonds, tofu, molasses, sesame seeds & sesame seed products, spinach, broccoli, figs, sardines with soft bones, and calcium fortified orange juice. I also recommend taking a supplement with 1,000 mg calcium, 500 mg magnesium, and 200 IU of vitamin D. Vitamin E can be used as remedy for hot flashes, muscle cramps, vaginal dryness, and fatigue. Vitamin E is found in whole grains, cold pressed oils, dark green leafy vegetables, and nuts. Take 400 IU of vitamin E daily, but only if you do not have high blood pressure. The herb sage is said to relieve hot flashes. Make a pot of green tea daily, remove from heat and add sage leaves, cover and let it sit for 10 minutes. Pour into a flask and drink it throughout the day. Phytoestrogens are substances found naturally in plant foods that mimic some activities of the hormone estrogen in the body, including absorption of calcium, maintaining a higher metabolism rate, and reducing symptoms of menopause. Phytoestrogens are present in soybeans, tofu, soy milk, flaxseeds, dates, pomegranates, and garbanzo beans. Take a soy isoflavone complex that can be found in most nutrition stores and GNC. This product can help relieve hot flashes, irritability, vaginal dryness, prevent osteoporosis, and protect against breast cancer. Drink at least eight glasses of water so your body does not retain water. Exercise may be the most important lifestyle factor in reducing menopausal symptoms. Regular exercise helps prevent weight gain, elevates mood, strengthens the heart and supports the entire circulatory system, increases energy and vitality, gives your skin an attractive glow, and prevents osteoporosis by maintaining bone density. Dong quai, a Chinese herb, is excellent for the female reproductive system and can treat menopausal symptoms. Take two tablets twice daily for up to six months or until symptoms subside. __
