Health Center

Women's Health: Menopause

Strictly speaking, menopause means the date of your final menstrual period. But more commonly, it refers to the decade or so during which your supply of eggs (ova) plummets—from around one million at birth to only a few at age 50—and there is a progressive decline in hormone levels, most notably estrogen.

Western medicine, for the most part, views menopause as a debilitating disease—one to be feared, managed, and medicated—rather than as a perfectly natural part of the life cycle, as other cultures recognize it to be.

Diet

Good nutrition can help you through menopause. Increasing your intake of plant foods and decreasing the amount of animal food in your diet may be the single most important dietary change you can make to ease your transition through menopause.

More diet recommendations.

Exercise

The hormonal changes during menopause are often associated with symptoms of weight gain, moodiness, bloating, and cravings. Many of these symptoms can be alleviated with regular physical exercise.

More exercise recommendations.

Nutrients

At times, the natural changes in your body can leave you feeling off-balance and uncomfortable. Maintain normal hormone levels, stabilize your mood, and enjoy energy throughout the day with Dr. Whitaker’s top nutrient recommendations.

Top nutrient recommendations.

Other Natural Solutions

I am an enthusiastic proponent of natural hormone replacement therapy. My more than 35 years of clinical experience have taught me that this is the best way to ease the discomfort brought about by menopause, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and insomnia.

More natural solutions.