by Jaye Lynne

Created on: April 25, 2008   Last Updated: April 29, 2008

Menopause, defined as the cessation of menstruation, marks the end of a woman's fertility. It is hormonally challenging time for many women.

The process is not an immediate one. It occurs over time, from months to years, with most women completing it between the ages of 50 and 55. What is happening is your ovaries are producing less estrogen and progesterone in response to your having used all your eggs. These hormones, which govern your menstrual cycle, have impact on a host of other bodily functions. Their decrease creates symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, palpitations, moodiness, and increased facial hair. Peri menopause, the stage before full menopause, can begin in your 40's. You may experience menstrual cycle changes such as lighter, shorter or intermittent periods.

Here are some options available to you for the most common menopausal symptoms:

Hot Flashes & Night Sweats

Estrogen replacement therapy, or ERT, has been used as an effective treatment. It's available in pill and skin patch form. There are side effects to taking hormone replacement therapy so it's a choice to consider with your doctor.

Specialty clothes, sleepwear, bedding and other items such as wicking sheets, pillow cases, t-shirts, and sleepwear are available. They wick moisture away from the body helping to keep you dry. You can find products on-line including NiteSweatz, Haralee Cool Garments for Hot Women, Nidraa, and Wildbleu. There is always dressing in layers so you can remove clothing as you need to. Women who are physically active tend to have fewer, less severe flashes which leads to the next symptom.

Weight Gain

Changing your daily eating habits to work with your hormonally changing body is your first line of defense. Smaller portions per meal and avoiding sugary or processed food helps. Daily exercise is a must. Brisk walking, deep breathing, yoga and swimming are refreshing forms of exercise that help balance menopausal symptoms.

On the question of diet pills designed specifically for menopausal women, most of these items fall into the category of supplements which contain phytoestrogens, chemicals in plants that act like estrogen. If you decide to try one of these products talk to your doctor about possible interactions with medications you are taking.

Moodiness

Hormones do this - remember puberty? The best remedy: people! Family and friends are the best source of comfort. There are on-line and live support groups as well. Some folks go herbal. St. John's

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