by Nancy Canyon

Created on: April 27, 2008   Last Updated: April 29, 2008

Once estrogen becomes less active in the body, a slew of changes take place. Most women who are post menopausal have similar symptoms: hot flashes, night sweats, dry skin, and fuzzy memories. Although some symptoms are uncomfortable, these changes can also bring an abundance of good to your life. Once fear of pregnancy is gone and androgen production is increased, the sexual response increases. Yes, one may need extra lubricant to comfort dry tissues, but without the worry of late-life pregnancy and with an increased production of androgens, a women's sex life may become increasing pleasurable.

Post menopausal also have more freedom to express themselves at this age-and more verve expressed in the world is enlivening. Being warmer just means fewer bulky sweaters to add visual pounds. And it's not so bad feeling a little confused, is it? If you seem a little ditsy-just chalk up being late for a luncheon date to the change of life.

There are natural things to do to keep the skin more supple: hormone creams, lovely body butters, soothing bath washes, and age reducing moisturizers for the face. Hiding skin that has become less elastic brings new wardrobe options: 3/4 length sleeves and scarfs worn around the neck. Try the French style, letting the scarf wrap from front to back-hanging breezily down the back. Very flattering.

Remember to keep your bones strong by doing weight baring exercise: this means walk three or four times a week for twenty to thirty minutes. Longer if you can. This helps with all symptoms and enhances your mood and clarity of thinking. Taking a calcium supplement is good for the bones, as is eating greens, which are full of calcium and vitamin C. Also, if you eat prunes you will strengthen and rebuild bone while remaining regular.

The heart is also strengthened by exercise and a good diet. Limiting breakfast, lunch, and dinner to protein and vegetables will help keep your cholesterol low and your bones and heart strong. Snacks of starches-fruit and other carbohydrates-can be eaten between meals and at bedtime. Smaller meals before bed will help keep night sweats to a minimum. So will eliminating alcoholic beverages and sugar from the diet.

Keep your friendships lively and pets and children playing about your house. Happiness keeps good hormones coursing through your veins. If you follow these easy additions to your diet and daily routines. you will remain a cheerful companion to your friends, mate, and children. It's worth the extra steps you take as you move into your second half of life.

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