Women, if you have arrived at this time of your life called pre-menopause and menopause, take heart, it's not as bad as it's been made out to be and you can manage menopause with very little effort. The best idea is to share and learn from each other. Some women can share some tips from grandma and some can share the latest from the 21st century, and together more than half the population of the United States will transition right through.

The first stage, called pre-menopause, will begin anywhere from the late 30's to the early 40's. Slight mood changes, missing a period occasionally and slight weight gain are all indicators of this stage. There are generally two paths to choose from, either the natural or the chemical hormone replacement therapy that is available from your doctor. HRT, as it is commonly called, is very common for women to take. It is relatively easy, but side effects do include cancer, heart problems, and simply the artificial addition of a chemical into your system. Our bodies are eliminating estrogen for a reason and though we don't want to get completely depleted, this is the way the body is supposed to be behaving.

The other option is the natural way, with minimal chemicals added from the doctors' office. More and more women today are opting for this method. Natural vitamins and herbs can be used to help reduce the symptoms you are feeling and allow you to have a calm transition. Start by adding soy protein to your diet. Soy is known to work especially well in a woman's system to harmonize mood swings and strengthen her system. Women in the Orient have been using it for centuries. Next, make sure you are taking a good vitamin supplement daily. It might be necessary to add more calcium and magnesium because the woman's body needs more than a man's. Try taking some extra vitamin C, E or Lipoic acid to increase anti-oxidants in your blood stream which will fight off free radicals and consequently promote looking younger. Good tip! Two herbs that are known to support women in menopause are Dong Quai and Black Cohash, to reduce hot flashes. These tips will help you in this time of your life, but remember, wherever you are - that's exactly where you are supposed to be, so don't fight it!