Open discussion of early menopause symptoms and dealing with the menopause.

Long Beach physician Dr Louise Benefield discussed the psychological and physiological responses of a woman's body to menopause during an hour-long program entitled "Approaching Menopause — Cause for Concern?"

If knowledge is power, then the women who heard Louise Benefield last week should have enough ammunition to help them battle the most debilitating case of menopausal blues.

Among other things, the Long Beach gynecologist assured her listeners that moodiness during menopause is not uncommon – and it is also not unlike the "post partum blues" many of them experienced after childbirth.

Also. Dr. Benefield said, a menopausal woman may be irritable, anxious, depressed and uneasy. But she suggested these emotional responses may be due more to a woman's changing status as wife and mother than to any actual physiological causes.

"It appears that women who do not work or have interests outside the home may be more likely to have problems during menopause than other women, Dr. Benefield said."They seem to have more time to dwell on their wrinkles and develop a negative attitude."

"It's important to keep busy during this time," Dr. Benefield said. "It may also help if the woman views menopause as healthy and the beginning of a new more carefree life – "woman's greatest blessing" as some writers have called it — rather than as something unnatural and negative."

The first sign that menopause is approaching is "lighter and erratic menstrual periods." Dr. Benefield said, though she noted that some women may have regular menstrual periods up until the time they stop completely.

But irregular menstrual periods during menopause can mean other things besides the onset of menopause so if it occurs it would be wise to see a physician.