Menopause is a natural life transition experience by every woman in the world. Today, more women are experiencing perimenopause and menopause than ever before. Still, "the change" is spoken of in whispers (if at all) and most women continue to approach this time of life with fear, confusion and dread. It's time to "Embrace The Change!

There's so much information on perimenopause and menopause available on web sites and in books. Unfortunately, much of it is inaccurate, outdated and downright dangerous. When your health and the quality of your life are at hand, how do you know what advice to follow? First, decide between synthetic hormone replacement therapy and a natural approach to symptom relief. This is a personal choice, hopefully made after plenty of research.

Empower yourself with knowledge. This isn't your mother's menopause! While this transition might be natural, the world isn't such a natural place anymore and your endocrine system has had to adapt accordingly. Chemicals and xenoestrogens in our products, foods and the environment have made this the first generation to experience the symptoms of extreme estrogen dominance. As a result, perimenopause (preceding actual menopause) can span up to 15 years or more of your life. Are you prepared?

Perimenopause and menopause unfold in two distinctly different phases. Each phase has unique symptoms (with only a few common to both) and each requires a different approach. Many allopathic and alternative doctors don't yet differentiate between the symptoms of estrogen dominance and estrogen deficiency. The "one pill fits all" approach might help relieve symptoms temporarily, but it won't address their cause or create healthy hormonal balance. A holistic approach, on the other hand, creates comprehensive wellness in body, mind and spirit.

By now, we're well aware of the health risks associated with HRT. The medications thought to bring symptom relief and protect us from hormone related health concerns, were found to do more harm than good. But, did you know that the same can be true with natural remedies? The supplements, foods and herbs used to relieve the symptoms of menopause, can actually make you feel worse and be dangerous during the long phase of perimenopause. If you've decided on a natural approach to symptom relief, please proceed with caution. One herb doesn't fit all!

The "15 Steps to Embrace The Change" provides a basic outline to assure you of a safe and natural midlife transition. Experience perimenopause and menopause as a positive time, rich with opportunities for enhanced health and happiness. Embrace The Change!

15 Steps to Embrace The Change!

1. Uncover the myths. Become aware.

Menopause is not a disease to be treated with medication! Know what to expect, when to expect it and how to safely and effectively create balance and harmony for the months and years ahead.

2. Follow current, accurate information.

A great deal of information in books and on web sites is inaccurate, outdated and downright dangerous. Follow advice with extreme caution. There's more to know than you might think!

3. Recognize your symptoms as "normal".

The Holistic Menopause Symptoms and Signs Checklist will help you identify your symptoms. This empowering step motivates positive action.

4. Identify estrogen dominance or estrogen deficiency.

Make this distinction before choosing supplements, foods or herbs. Identify the symptoms of both phases to adjust your protocol accordingly. This step is essential to your safety!

5. Eliminate the possibility of hormone related health conditions.

Undiagnosed health conditions are common in midlife. Their symptoms mimic and intensify your "normal" symptoms and put you at risk for developing more serious conditions later.

6. Assure your safety. Check for contraindications.

Don't miss this step if you have existing health conditions and/or use medications. Check for contraindications before adding supplements, herbs and foods. Never stop using medications without consulting your doctor.

7. Choose the best approach for your symptoms and life circumstances.

Choose the natural products that guarantee the "biggest bang for your buck". Be sure they are absorbable and free of unnecessary preservatives, chemicals and fillers.

8. Make appropriate dietary changes.

Small dietary changes make a big difference. What you do and don't eat has huge implications.

9. Establish proactive preventative health strategies.

Heart disease and osteoporosis are the "silent symptoms" of menopause and post menopause. Begin preventative health strategies NOW. The quality of the rest of your life depends on it.

10. Initiate positive change. Choose "clean" products and foods.

Examine your personal care products and foods for chemicals. Eliminate all products containing endocrine disruptors. They tax your liver, aggravate your symptoms and cause disease.

11. Utilize effective stress management techniques.

Hormone fluctuations create a sensitivity to stress. Stress aggravates every symptom. Reducing stress and managing it well will greatly ease your menopause transition. Now's the time!

12. Prepare well.

In perimenopause, symptoms are constantly changing. What brought you relief one month just might not the next. Be prepared with alternatives and ready to make frequent changes.

13. Go inward, rest and restore.

After years of putting the needs and desires of everyone and everything before your own, it's time to take care of YOU now. Time to rest has never been more important.

14. Listen to your symptoms.

Everything you have put on the back burner will surface in midlife. Stored resentments, unhealed wounds, losses ~ they all demand your attention now. Learn to listen to your symptoms. Anger, anxiety, depression, a lack of sexual desire ~ they all have a message for you.

15. Subscribe to "Embrace The Change!"

My free newsletter provides great tips to help you embrace perimenopause and menopause with reverence. Subscribe at:http://www.holisticmenopause.com

© Copyright 2006, Michelle Gluth, Life Fulfillment Foundation, LLC. All Rights Reserved

Holistic Menopause Founder, Michelle Gluth, has been a student, practitioner and teacher of the holistic arts for over 28 years. Michelle empowers women with the knowledge, skills, resources and support to experience perimenopause and menopause as a positive life transition. "Embrace The Change!" Visit http://www.holisticmenopause.com or call Michelle at 623-512-7593

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