Do you remember, years ago, hearing about your mother "going through the change?" I do, and it did not seem like a fun experience! At that age of youthful innocence, we did not know much about it, nor did we want to. Menopause was not something we needed to face for decades… Now, many of us have passed over the mid-life line, and others (like me) are teetering on the edge.

One thing is for sure, it is an inevitable phase of any woman's life, so surely it is better to know what to expect and embrace it, rather than fear it. Today, we introduce this important issue in every woman's life.

I just turned 40, and now it seems that everywhere I turn, there are articles that start off like this: "At 40, you look in the mirror and wonder when you grew that paunchy middle. Extra pounds have attached themselves to your hips, thighs and waist…"

Menopause happens between the ages of 45 and 60; the average age is 51. Still, usually starting at age 35, our bodies start to rebel on us. Why? This time is referred to by doctors as "perimenopause" and signals a lot of changes in women.

First of all, our bodies slow down on the production of estrogen. We've already noticed that something else has slowed down-our metabolisms! All that food we used to be able to eat without remorse or repercussion, now seems to stick instantly, doesn't it? Sadly, this weight gain is normal and unavoidable, but we do not have to take it lying down; in fact we should run from it-literally! Well, maybe not run, but certainly walk briskly, dance, swim or work out.

Exercise is more important than ever before. Not just to keep the weight down, but especially for our mental and physical health. Menopause, because of decreased estrogen and increased weight, places women at risk for medical problems, such as heart disease, hypertension and osteoporosis. We'll look more closely at these conditions and how to offset the risk in the second article in this series.

Besides the physical issues, we have all heard about the hot flashes, moodiness and sometimes depression that signal menopause. Just as we suffered from "raging hormones" during our teen years and childbirth, they wreak merciless havoc on us again.

What's happening to me?
A woman feels hot-all over her body-especially the chest, face and head. Her heart starts to pound, and she feels as if she's having an anxiety attack. This is a classic hot flash and is what often drives a woman to see her doctor. Research indicates that this is not a curse for the rest of a woman's years, rather it usually occurs only in the first two years after menopause. Still, you don't have to put up with it. Your doctor will prescribe treatment to help ease the symptoms of menopause, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Luckily, there are many traditional and alternative health treatments that have proven successful in some of the estimated forty-one million women in the U.S. who are "menopausal."

Despite all the technical lingo and litany of possible related symptoms and health concerns, menopause should not be the bell tolling for a woman's lost youth, but rather a new-albeit different-chapter. Consider that we still have one-half to one-third of our lives ahead of us! Freedom from child-caring responsibilities frees you to do the things you always wanted to do, and gives you more time with your spouse.

This is a time that merely requires an attitude adjustment, a renewed commitment to good eating and exercise habits and contact with a trusted medical professional. Together, we can get through it!

In part two, we'll explore a variety of traditional and alternative treatments for the symptoms and associated health risks of menopause. Part three will focus on the changes a woman may encounter, emotionally and sexually.

If you have a personal story to relate, or advice to offer other women, please send your comments to me