Most women (believe it or not!) weather this potential storm with little or no adverse effect on their health. But some women suffer a variety of unpleasant and debilitating symptoms, such as:

	hot flushes	vaginal dryness
	mood swings	sleep disturbances
	depression	loss of libido
	osteoporosis	hair loss
	weight gain	palpitations
	forgetfulness	weariness

The reproductive cycle is regulated by four main hormones - follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (FH) during the first half, progesterone and oestrogen during the second half. Over the course of the menopause (which can last a matter of months, or years) the balance of these hormones changes as the ovaries slow down until, eventually, the production of hormones stops altogether.

The hormone that is routinely replaced in HRT is oestrogen. Progesterone and testosterone may also be included, depending on the type of HRT. There are various ways to get these hormones into your body, including patches, tablets, creams and IUDs. But whatever the type of HRT and however it's administered, it in no way mimics the normal cycle (as described above) because it povides a constant daily level of hormones that should naturally fluctuate.

It used to be thought that HRT prevented osteoporosis but it has since been realised that that is not the case. The British Medical Association now discourages GPs from prescribing HRT for that purpose. Several studies have shown that long-term HRT has significant health risks, such as breast and endometrial cancer. For this reason, it is now widely recommended that HRT be used for as short a time as possible, and preferably for no more than 5 years.

The thing is, you have to come off it eventually and many women experience a return of their symptoms when they do.

If you are having a hard time going through the menopause, there's no need to just put up with it. Professional homeopathic treatment can stimulate and support your body's response to this natural change in your hormone levels, as well as settle the emotional upheaval that often accompanies the physical changes in your life. After treatment, many women come through their menopause with more confidence, greater self-awareness and a general sense of well-being.

You can help your body overcome the physical changes caused by the menopause by making some adjustments to your diet. To combat osteoporosis, try to incorporate foods that contain natural plant oestrogens eg soya products, beans, apples and carrots. Calcium-rich foods eg low-fat dairy products, sardines and leafy green vegetables will also help to keep your bones healthy. Keeping an eye on your caffeine intake can help to reduce hot flushes and palpitations.

Weight-bearing exercise, eg walking and jogging, maintains bone mass and gentle exercise, like yoga, will help you to keep your joints moving.

Pace of Change Ltd offers a unique programme for women going through the menopause. Click here to link to their website.