Is This Menopause?

If you are asking this question, then you are most likely between 45-50 years of age and you have noticed some changes in your menstrual cycle pattern and emotions.

The medical definition of menopause is the cessation of menstrual periods and therefore, can only be diagnosed in retrospect. A general rule of thumb is that if you are over 45 years of age and have not had a period for 12 months, they are probably finished. Most Australian women reach menopause between the age of 45-55 years, with the average age being 51 years.

However, there is considerable variation and some women may reach menopause in their early 40's, whilst others will continue to menstruate until their late 50's. A long term study of Australian women called "The Melbourne Women's Midlife Health Study," tracked over 400 women through this phase. They found that if you have had at least 3 months without menstruating, then your last period will probably come within the following year.

How Electromagnetic Pollution Maybe Detrimental To Your Fertility

Electromagnetic fields and radiation are created both naturally and as the result of man made electricity. They are a combination of electricity created by voltage and a magnetic field created by flow or current. The human body has evolved to resonate and harmonize with the electromagnetic fields of the earth and the sun.

However, since the advent of man made electricity and the rapid growth of technology we are experiencing today, we are living in a sea of electronic pollution. Hence, we are now resonating less with the earth and sun and more with our appliances!

Numerous research demonstrates that chronic exposure to man made electromagnetic fields and radiation can lead to changes in the normal growth pattern of cells and damage the cells DNA. When you consider that the egg and sperm are in actual fact one type of cell in the body and an embryo is a bundle of rapidly dividing cells; we can not ignore the potential detrimental effect that pollution may have on our fertility and health.

Healing Menstrual Imbalances By Honouring The Menstrual Cycle

Throughout history and different cultures, attitudes towards menstruation and menstrual blood have varied. Ranging from menstrual blood being viewed as sacred, healing and powerful to feared as dangerous and unclean. For instance, in the bible it is written "And if a women has an issue, and her issue is her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until even..." [Levitious 15:19-30]. This is the basis upon which the Jewish tradition deems women ritually unclean and impure whilst she is menstruating. Greek-Roman cultural taboos, feared that menstrual blood soured wine, made crops wither, caused the fruit to fall off tree's and dulled the edge of steel and so forth: that's some power! 

How To Work With The Phases Of The Moon To Balance Your Hormones

1.  Begin by making a habit of going outside and looking at the moon each night. This will help to reinforce your connection with the moon.
2. Develop an awareness of what phase the moon is in , when you ovulate and when you bleed. This can help to regulate your cycle to a 29 day cycle. Most women will find they either bleed around the full moon or the new moon. Moon diaries and moon charts for the Southern hemisphere are available from www.moondiary.com.au. These are a great tool to help you observe the pattern of your cycle in relation to that of the moon.
3. When you look at the moon and it's shape, bring that awareness into your body. Observe and acknowledge how you feel at that particular phase of the moon and your cycle.
4. If you are currently going through the menopause transition and your cycles are irregular and unpredictable. You may find, that by using the moon charts to record your periods; you are able to see a pattern amongst the apparent chaos.
5. The menopausal women, only knows in retrospect when her last ever period occurs. For this reason it is good to make a note of which phase the moon is in, at each of your periods. The reason being , that once you are post -menopausal, you will still have cyclic changes in your energy and emotions, they will just be more subtle [thank goodness for that I hear you cry!]. The pattern that these follow, will tend to be in relation to the phase the moon was in at your last period. For example, if it was a full moon, then you will tend to feel more introverted and sensitive each month when the moon is full.
6. If your cycles are very erratic, then you could try" lunaception"as advised by Susan Weed in " New Menopausal Years: The Wise Women Way."Sleep in total darkness, except for the three nights the moon is full. On these nights allow the full moon to shine in on your face. If this is not possible, keep a small light on all night. Then return to sleeping in darkness until the next full moon. This will generally need to be repeated for 3-6 moons to achieve regularity.
7. If you want to increase your fertility, then you may like to synchronize your mid-cycle ovulation with your lunar peak. You will need to have an astrologer work out your lunar peak phase for each month and then use the power of intent and visualization to bring them into alignment. The conception kits I have available at the clinic [developed by Francesca Naish] include a guided visualization CD and your lunar peak chart calculated for the next 6 years, to assist you with this.
8. You may like to attend my monthly red tent women's circle. to further assist you in connecting with the cycles of the moon and your ow natural rhythms. These are held on the Saturday afternoon, closest to the new moon and are recommencing in March.

Is There a Connection Between The Moon And Your Hormones

Our myths and legends, attribute many magical powers to the moon. And I think that you would have to agree that, the sight of the beautiful luminous moon in our sky at night is indeed "magical." Also, for thousands of years and throughout many cultures and nations, the moon has been linked to fertility, reproduction and growth. Consequently, the planting of seeds and harvesting of crops were carried out at the phase of the moon considered most favorable for these activities.

Today, it is well known and accepted that the moon influences the ebb and flow of the ocean. Whilst, modern research has proved that various phases of the moon, do in fact affect the germination and growth process of seeds and plants,. Yet, in our modern world we have become increasingly disconnected from the natural cycles of the sun, moon and seasons. As well as with our body's own natural rhythms and interrelationship with these greater planetary cycles. 

How To Keep Your Breasts Healthy And Prevent Breast Cancer

The words "breast cancer" will strike a note of fear for many women. This is not surprising given the statistics that 99% of breast cancers occur in women and in Australia 1:10 women will receive this diagnosis. It appears that the risk and likelihood of developing breast cancer increases with age with 50% of incidences occurring in women between the 50-69 years old.

The exact causes of breast cancer are not known, but many factors such as genetics, lifestyle and the environment have been implicated and various risk factors have been identified. Unfortunately most of the research and activity relates to the treatment of breast cancer and there is far less attention paid to addressing and minimizing the risk factors. So called preventative health measures such as undergoing a mammogram every two years after the age of 50 years [as recommended by Breastscreen Australia] focuses on early detection and not prevention.

So ladies it's time for us to take back our breast health into our own hands. To help you do this I have provided you with some dietary and lifestyle tips to help you keep your breasts healthy and prevent breast cancer:

Easing Period Pain

Many women experience pain just before and /or with the onset of their period. The pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain. This could be felt as an ache and dullness in the lower abdomen and also in the lower back region. The aching and heaviness may also extend down into the groin and thighs. This can be accompanied with episodes of spasmodic cramping and for some women they can literally be doubled up in pain.

Although pain associated with menstrual blood flow is common, this does not make it normal. Unfortunately, the trend and message has been that "it is just part of being a women" and something you "just have to learn to live with." Not so, any pain is a sign that something is out of balance and period pain is no different from any other type of pain in this regard.