Menopause is the time in a woman´s life when menstruation ends completely (menarche is the beginning) and is something that will happen to every single woman. Most of the time the term ´menopause´ is used incorrectly; in literal terms it refers to the last menstrual period, but it is often used to refer instead to the years either side of the last menstrual period. The period of time before menopause, when hormone production begins to slow, is known as the peri-menopause and it often commences long before you may expect, sometimes from as early as 35 onwards. The average age for the actual menopause (cessation of menstruation) is 51 (but can span from 45 to 58). The period after menopause is known as post-menopause. For ease of understanding in this website we will refer to the whole transition period as menopause.

Menopause means ´end of menstrual period´. It does not have to mean the end of good health and vitality, nor does it have to mean the end of beauty, femininity, or a good sex life. Menopause is a perfectly natural stage in a woman´s life - it is not a medical disorder.

A common question that when answered in the affirmative represents a misconception; no ... it is not necessarily the case that we will follow the same pattern our mothers did. Menstrual patterns have changed over the last 30-40 years and it is common for women to have a later menopause than their mothers.

Menopause knows no cultural divides: it happens to women everywhere, yet different societies around the world view menopause in different ways. Sadly, in the UK and the US it is rarely viewed positively- indeed for some it remains an unmentionable subject. Yet in some cultures it is a time that can bestow a new higher status on a woman and she may be treated with heightened respect. But it isn´t just the way menopause is perceived that differs; the actual symptoms vary from country to country. This may well offer clues to how diet, lifestyle and even conditioning affect our bodies. For instance, in some parts of the world women do not have a word for hot flash and the Western concept of ´menopause´ with all its associated problems just doesn´t exist.

Scientists have often been perplexed about why the menopause is experienced so differently around the world. Genetic differences seem not to be the cause because when women move from one country to another their health sometimes changes, too.

There is much written about the possible side effects of taking HRT and the debate is likely to continue for as long as women become menopausal! However, before listing some of the claimed side effects, let´s be realistic. In some cases, HRT may be the right thing for women who find themselves unable to function without it for a while. It may also be that you are already using HRT and are considering stopping it. Or maybe you are using HRT and want some other help, too, to support your body while taking synthetic hormones. Whatever the case, remember what we have already said a few times: stress is not good for you! So, be kind to yourself, accept whatever decision you have made and if you wish to rethink or seek further help then find a good qualified naturopathic practitioner, read-up about the subject and do whatever you can to support your body in the meantime. Eat a pure, fresh healthy diet (as much organic food as possible); take gentle regular exercise; relax (in whatever way suits you best) and use your LadyCare to help achieve a natural balance.

In a national survey to look at the effects of using LadyCare, a number of women who took part were also taking HRT and this did not seem to affect their response to LadyCare: the reduction in symptoms was the same.

The following list includes risks listed by drug companies plus risks often documented in the media!

Abnormal Bleeding Breast Tenderness Bloating Changes in Cholesterol Levels Circulation Problems Increased Risk of Breast/Uterine Cancer Depression Elevated Blood Pressure Hair Loss

Jaundice Loss of Libido Migraine Nausea Skin Rashes Vaginal Thrush Vomiting Weight Gain/Loss Womb Cancer