by Sandy Hemphill

Created on: September 15, 2007

Should post-menopausal women take estrogen? Absolutely not!

Menopause is not a disease. It does not require treatment. It cannot be cured.

Menopause is a naturally occurring stage of life unique to all others, just as all other stages of life are unique in and of themselves. It is not just absurd, it is destructive and abusive to think the introduction of a foreign substance is needed to aid and assist one of life's many complex and wonderful experiences.

Does menopause bring some discomfort? Yes!

But so did teething. And learning to walk. And menstruation. And falling in love. And losing virginity. And childbirth. And on and on and on . . .

Do we need to push drugs on all these other miraculous and awe-inspiring stages of life just so they'll be a bit more comfortable and convenient? Let's certainly hope not.

Numerous reports indicate menopause isn't an issue outside the United States and other countries following in its Westernized footsteps. In other less-modernized cultures, this phase of life is enjoyed, celebrated, honored, and embraced. Why cure that?

The United States has become a nation highly dependent upon drugs to dull the realities of life. Prescription drugs are more abused than street and recreational drugs are and this alarming trend of abuse has spread to the maturing woman's body.

There are certain underlying medical conditions that do call for the valid and beneficial need for estrogen supplementation. These underlying medical conditions however do not include the natural progression of the stages of menopause at the appropriate time in life. In such cases, it is impossible to compare the need for estrogen for therapeutic purposes with the desire for estrogen to quell the symptoms of a natural aspect of living.

For women wanting to age gracefully, it might be well advised to first develop a lifestyle that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Moderate but regular exercise. Time for prayer and meditation. Recreation and play. An active and interesting social life. Intellectual stimulation.

These are the tools which are intended to make the experience of menopause a joyous time in the life of a mature and wise woman. Why sully the experience with drugs?

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