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Most people have trouble dealing with these very personal issues and may be too embarrass themselves to weigh in. I started reading all I could find on menopause sometime around age 40 and earlier in an effort to arm myself with knowledge. My own mother didn't have too much trouble - just an annoying fibroid that started bleeding continually as she entered her menopausal years.

I have a fibroid myself that was about the size of a grapefruit but has shrunk since my last examination. I have learned that they are natural herbs and food that contain estrogen-like substances that can be eaten to make the process of menopause an easy transition. I know that no two women are alike and the experience will be significantly different for each of us.

For example, I learned that German scientists found that chasteberry is a natural remedy for hormone imbalances because it acts on the pituitary gland to restore a normal balance of estrogen and progesterone. This makes it good for reducing bloating, cramps, headaches, painful breasts and hot flashes.

NOTE: Women on hormonal therapy should not take this herb and if you suffer from PMS-related depression please do not take chasteberry as it could worsen the symptoms.

Evening primrose oil is high in fatty acid that helps your body produce key hormones. If you take 500 mg 2-4 times a day, or as directed, this also helps to reduce bloating, breast tenderness and cramps. It is also very important to strengthen your adrenals. During menopause, although your hormonal levels are dropping, the adrenal glands (located above your kidneys) are still producing androgens and testosterone. If your adrenal glands aren't functioning properly they would not be able to produce the small amounts of estrogen that your body needs to get through this difficult time of your life.

You can strengthen your adrenal glands by eliminating caffeine, white flour, sugar, processed meats, refined foods and stop smoking. Eat plenty of fish, turkey, chicken, fresh fruits and vegetables. Try to add natural products like soy foods to your daily diet as they are a rich source of natural plant estrogens. Practice eating small meals more frequently to keep your blood sugar levels normal and exercise daily for bone health.

Personally, I've used the natural weight loss guide to regulate my own eating to achieve weight loss and adopted a healthy lifestyle that makes it easy to lose weight and be a part of my normal routine. I have never had a hot flash, no headaches but still have scanty periods, sometimes periods that would be just like they were when I was 20-years olds, then I would miss 2-months, etc.

One doctor told me that menopause should be over at around age 52 but I'm still having periods at that age. That maybe the text book case for most women but I know that I'm different. I was supposed to have difficulty getting pregnant because it was discovered in my early 20s that I had a retroverted uterus but I never had any difficulty nor did I have painful intercourse.

I am just trying to reassure you that we are all different but one of the best ways to deal with yourself is to arm yourself with knowledge. Visit the library and look for books on the subject to read at night. Try natural plant alternatives - simple herbal teas or eliminating certain foods from your diet may improve your situation.

I've learned to think outside the box in my approach to most things and have seen better outcomes. It is always good to have a doctor that values your opinion and is willing to support you in your attempt to find more natural ways of coping with your transition.

I hope that after reading these suggestions, you will find a way to use this information to your advantage. I do not believe that this has to be a miserable time. I am not having that experience and I am sure that I am not the only one. In life, people find it much easier to share bad experiences, especially these days when negativity sells and gets TV ratings.

I love to teach others and am always willing to pass along my experiences to help others. I am planning to write a book dedicated to my daughter so that when her time comes, she'll have something to share with her generation.