Some advice to the mature woman

1. The menopause is a rebirth for body, mind and soul.
2. The party is over - you cannot go on misusing your body and still believe that you can make it. Now is the time for a change of life style regarding diet and exercise.
3. Many women describe this period as "a room for increased sensitivity, intuition and creativity".
4. The key to the wisdom of menopause is to let go of your past and simultaneously allow your new urgent needs to emerge. This always includes a grieving process and an acceptance of suffering.
5. How about accepting your body's own wisdom and allowing yourself to listen to its message. What would your life look like if you could regard your body as your ally? Would you be different to yourself then?

Christine Northrup, gynaecologist and writer