Midlife and Menopause

As women, we go through a phase in our lives – midlife – which is often referred to in negative terms such as ‘old age’, ‘period of transition’ or ‘midlife crisis’. During this time, women experience a vast array of symptoms such as heavy bleeding and/or irregular periods, and/or hot flashes. Menopause starts later – about 12 months after the menstrual cycle has stopped – and continues to the end of our lives. The chapter deals with the emotional and physical ways we handle midlife. The chapter reviews various studies dealing with hormones and their influence as well as with natural remedies. It supports the idea of coming to terms with and being at peace during this time in our lives and accepting it and ourselves.