Menopause refers to when the woman's function of the ovaries ceases.

The ovaries are a pair of reproductive glands in women. They are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus.

Each ovary is about the size and shape of a nickel. The ovaries produce eggs and the female hormone estrogen.

An egg is released from one ovary during each monthly cycle. The egg travels from the ovary through the fallopian tube to the uterus.

The average age of Menopause is 50 years, but menopause may occur as earlier as 30 years or as late as 60 years.

Symptoms of Menopause

As the ovaries shut down they produce less estrogen causing various symptoms.

Some women experience perimenopause for two to ten years. The transitional period from normal menstrual periods to no periods at all.

Some women have severe symptoms and others suffer typical PMS symptoms which may last a few years.

Some symptoms may include:

• Hot flashes
• Mood swings
• Irregular Menstruation or spotting of blood
• Difficulty concentrating, mental confusion
• Night sweats
• Insomnia
• Vaginal drynes
• Low sex drive
• Weight gain
• Vaginal infections
• Breast tenderness

The usual treatment for Menopause symptoms is to start Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) as soon as symptoms are experienced.

The con's to this method can be, increased risk for breast cancer, heart attacks, strokes and blood clots.

There are now many safe and better alternative methods for Menopause symptom relief.

Acupuncture or relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation work well but your diet is also very important

Herbs such as Red Raspberry and Cramp Bark can help alleviate cramps.

Black Cohosh relieves symptoms of hot flushes, mood swings and depression.

Milk thistle is another herb used to help menopause sufferers. The hormonal changes in the body place an additional load on the liver, which can in turn intensify symptoms. Milk thistle is excellent for the liver, detoxification and repair.

You can find many mixtures of herbs in supplement form especially for Menopause at your local health store or even most drug stores.

Exercise, taking a multi-vitamin daily and relaxation are also very important at this stage.

It is important to incorporate more soy-based foods into your diet and eliminate caffeine and alcohol.

The Menopause Diet

Eat calcium rich foods daily. Soybeans, oats, almonds, sunflower seeds, pinto beans, broccoli and leafy greens are good sources of calcium. Try to stay away from too much dairy and use these sources instead.

Reduce your intake of alcohol, refined food, processed food and sugary food.

Eat complex carbohydrates such as whole grains like oats and brown rice. Stay away from foods prepared with refined flours and sugar products.

Prepare your foods by steaming, baking or broiling. Avoid fried foods.

Reduce your intake of fat by avoiding meat and other saturated fats like butter.