Menopause is defined as the part of a woman’s life where menstruation, the period, has stopped for at least a year. The period before menopause is called pre-menopause and during this, women undergo some quite drastic changes in their hormonal levels and probably have an irregular period. In most women, premenopause begins between the ages of 39 and 51. It generally takes about 5 years from the onset of premenopause to menopause.

Genetic factors play an important role in this timing – that is, when pre-menopause will begin: if your mother and other close relatives had an early or delayed menopause, you probably will too. But your environment and your choices will play an important role, too. For example, if you smoke or live at high altitudes, you may have an early menopause.

Researchers are currently studying a simple blood test that can predict when a woman will enter menopause. And while scientists are researching the genetic signs that may one day predict the big change more accurately, that day still awaits.

Some daily habits can help you avoid the worst symptoms.

• Exercise: Regular exercise – at least 30 minutes a day, three times a week – can reduce the negative symptoms of menopause.
• Diet: Changing your diet can significantly alleviate bad symptoms. Anything that raises blood sugar including chocolates and sweets can interact with stress hormones and cause a rapid change in estrogen levels worsening symptoms such as hot flashes.
• Relaxation: During menopause the body produces less estrogen and progesterone which can play a role in making you lose your temper more easily or staying awake at night. In addition, being in a state of tension and stress can greatly worsen these hormonal fluctuations. Finding some time to calm down and relax can help you combat these mood swings.

The main symptoms that occur during the pre-menopausal period (months or even years before the period stops) are:

• Irregular period
• Vaginal dryness
• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Sleep problems
• Changes in mood
• Weight gain / metabolism slowdown
• Weak hair, dry skin
• Breast mass loss

When these symptoms begin to appear, it is a good idea to visit your doctor to plan a personalized prevention and treatment plan.

Homeopathy, by strengthening the body’s effort to balance under the new hormonal circumstances of the woman who has entered menopause, helps gently and often very effectively, in this area.

Homeopathy can offer physical therapy, enhancing the body’s effort to balance in a new state (since female hormones have been dramatically reduced), helping immediately, gently and often very effectively.

Homeopathy, considering the body as a whole and without separating the genital system from the rest of the body, intervenes therapeutically helping the woman to pass this stage as painlessly and naturally as possible. The remedies that can be used are too many, so it is necessary for the homeopathic doctor to make a distinction based on the temperament as well as the symptoms that the patient has.