An article I was reading this week talked about two new scientific discoveries which could delay or even reverse the menopause.  The first technique involves taking tissue from a woman’s ovaries pre-menopause and then freezing it, followed by implantation at a later stage.  The second technique uses the woman’s stem cells in order to produce revitalised ovarian cells, thus potentially ‘growing’ new ovaries.

For women who are unable to conceive due to an early menopause, these advances offer significant hope of being able to have a baby.  It would also be true to say that many women would welcome not having to endure the side-effects of the menopause, which include mood swings, flagging libido, weight gain, hot flushes and loss of bone density (to name a few!)

As someone who has not yet had to cope with menopausal symptoms, but is rapidly nearing that time, I am not sure that I would want those extra years of so-called youthfulness.  I speak from the privileged position of having a completed family, and therefore there are no more yearnings for children, and I do realise that it may be different for women who have not been so lucky.  I also understand that some women have to endure the most awful menopause, and for them, foregoing this time in their life would probably be no loss to them.

However, I do think that the menopause marks a stage in a woman’s life where she can start to feel much freer, perhaps having packed the last child off to college, maybe considering a new career or hobby, she is able to actively do those things that she wants to do at long last.  Some women report to feeling a surge of energy post-menopause and can really start to look after themselves and devote time to enjoying this period of their lives.  No longer defined by their womanhood, they can become the person they want to be.

For some I do realise that this time of life can seem daunting and scary, particularly if they were very involved with their families and children.  Without this definition of womanhood, they suddenly feel that their bodies, minds and spirits are literally quite empty and so the future is a frightening place.

I feel, however, that this time in a woman’s life, can be a real opportunity to change and develop.  Throughout life we go through different phases, and by giving positive thought to this particular stage, in particular really looking after one’s health through good nutrition and exercise, listening to what our bodies are telling us, and also starting to plan the life that we want, we can really use this time to our advantage.

Hypnotherapy is excellent at helping to deal with menopausal symptoms, and also helps us to connect with our subconscious in order to discover that sense of peace and contentment which we are all seeking.

Medical science is a wonderful thing, but maybe sometimes we need to let nature take its course.

All the best,
Wendy