How we fight against it and how we dread tit. Or mothers spoke of the change of life in hushed whispers as though it were the plague itself come to visit us. Yet why should we dread it? The physical problems associated with the menopause are usually no more or less than those endured during our normal periods though more erratic. The physical changes can be counteracted by more advanced thinking on diet, cosmetics and lifestyle. Think how much happier you will be when you no longer have the curse or the fear of unwanted pregnancy and, unless you have a beady eye out for a toy boy, your husbands are ageing long with you. If you already have their love and respect you are not going to lose it overnight because you have one or two more wrinkles or the odd grey hair, and if bits do look in danger of dropping off or sagging beyond redemption that is probably your own fault for not having taken care in the past so you will have to work harder now.  

What is unfair I that our own self inflicted punishment and neurosis at this time can turn our loving families away from us because they just do not understand why a good and happy mother and partner has so suddenly  changed. This can cause far greater unhappiness to everyone than is necessary. In this modern age women in their  middle years are holding down high powered jobs, carving new careers for themselves, finding creative hobbies and traveling extensively because all these options are pen to them and they do not have to think about putting their families first. It is the time of their life. To many women, no matter how much they miss the mixed blessings of motherhood, this is a new-found and welcome freedom.

Nowadays our diets can be boosted with mineral and vitamin supplements to ensure that our faculties are kept intact and our bones strong. Looking and feeling good is not vanity: it is our right. Whilst we all have to work hard at it ourselves it is also worth examining hormone replacement therapy as an optional extra to boost good health and natural vitality once we have passed the so – called hurdle of the menopause.

Home Remedies for Menopause

• Sage tonic The desire of sage is to render man immortal. Now whilst I cannot exactly guarantee the truth of this I an suggest that sage tea and the following tonic will make you feel much more chirpy. Take 100g (4 oz) of fresh sage leaves and leave them to stand in a bottle of good white wine made by natural, pot chemical, processes, for two weeks. Sweeten to taste with honey and leave for a further day. Press and strain through a cloth. Bottle and take 1 sherry glass before lunch and dinner.

• Lemon balm Melissa or lemon balm is reputed to ease the pains of the menopause, physically and mentally as well as increase fertility. The tea will soothe and the leaves under the pillow will bring trnquillity. A few drops of essential oil in the bath would not come amiss either.

• Oil of cypress Barberry and cypress tea is an old-fashioned remedy from France. The essential oil however, dropped into a warm bath or on to a hot compress to be held on the tom, is very soothing, and you might also like to add it to sunflower oil and massage with it. It will also reduce excess perspiration and foot odor.

• Meadowsweet tea or hop tea Both are soothing and reduce tension.

• Mugwort tea Mugwort is the plant of the moon and of Artemisia, the patron saint of women. The tea drunk only in moderation will help you feel less hurt and weary. Carry a spray of the herb with you always to the same end.

• Tansy tea or pennyroyal tea These will stop the flushes.

• Marigold tea drink the tea regularly to ease menopausal disordes. Infuse 75g (3oz) of the flower heads in 1 litre (1.75 pints) of the flower heads in 1 litre (1.75 pints) of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups daily. Calendula tincture may also prove helpful. One of the good home remedies for menopause.