Human females are quite unique: we menstruate; and we cease to be reproductively available after we've lived only half our life span. The years just before and just after the menopause itself are referred to as the climacteric. For most women the climacteric spans from early/mid 40s to late 50s/early 60.
The ancient women's mysteries tell us of the powers and initiations of these unique events: menstruation and menopause. -the years of transformation from potential mother to wise, whole crone - the menopausal years.
It is very rightly called the change of life as it is a metamorphosis (complete change at a cellular level). Change includes these three stages, before menopause, during menopause, and after menopause.
For many women, menopause brings relief from monthly periods, freedom from worry about unplanned pregnancy, and excitement about entering a new phase of life. For many others, menopause brings physical and emotional upheaval linked to changes occurring as the female body makes its transition out of the child-bearing years.
Each stage and phase has its special needs and offers special challenges. Whether you're delighted or in despair or somewhere in between, chances are that you will at some point seek relief from the symptoms of menopause, which include insomnia, depression, stiff joints, bloating, vaginal dryness, sore breasts, and hot flushes. Hot flushes, which are characterized by a sudden increase in heart rate, peripheral blood flow, and sweating, are for many women the most uncomfortable aspect of menopause. Research suggests that about 75 percent of menopausal women are affected at one time or another by hot flushes, 15 percent of them seriously so.