Menopause brings along changes in a woman’s life which rarely go unnoticed. Hence, vasomotor symptoms occur in response to the changing levels of hormones in menopause. They bring along symptoms such as hot flashes and palpitations. A woman in menopause may also experience psychological changes like anxiety, irritability and mood swings and diminished concentration.

Furthermore, women going through menopause show an increase incidence of depression. Menopause is also marked by the grief of not being able to give birth anymore. Hence, even if a woman has chosen not to have any more babies in her life, menopause seals the fact that she loses the possibility of any future pregnancy. It is therefore very common for a woman going through menopause to feel a sense of loss or grief.

Physical changes are also happening in response to the lack of hormones such as: atrophic symptoms like vaginal dryness and urinary urgencies. Menopause is also characterized by irregular menstrual bleeding.

With all these changes happening, how can any woman going through menopause feel happy and content?

Every woman going through menopause has the power to live this experience harmoniously if she chooses to. In order to keep healthy and not gain unwanted weight, eating the proper diet (rich in vitamin D and calcium among other nutrients) is a must. Weight gain can be avoided or limited by exercising regularly after consulting one’s physician.

Most important of all, menopause is the perfect occasion for a woman to recognize all she has done in her life for others and take this opportunity to spoil herself. For most women, menopause corresponds to her children leaving the nest and living on their own. Many women faced with all this freed time, feel a sense of panic or emptiness. One can turn the situation around and see these new occasions as openings to finally realize all her dreams.

Menopause usually brings along free time that can be used to take that life long dreamed trip or start a new hobby. Many women who feel isolated could benefit from either joining a new group or getting back together with old friends. After all, if a woman is experiencing menopause, the odds are good that some of her friends are also experiencing menopause and would just love to get together and renew old friendships.

More often nowadays, women are going through menopause without a spouse being divorced or widowed. There are numerous associations that offer travels or activities to single women in their menopause years.

Discussion forums are also a great place to meet women experiencing similar changes and sharing tricks, tips and anecdotes. The best way to see menopause is as an occasion for selfishness and caring for oneself.