Most women experience the onset of the menopause at an average age of about 50, but it can start anytime from the early forties to the late fifties.
Symptoms can vary: some women sail through but others suffer the miseries of lack of energy, hot flashes, depression, night sweats, and loss of libido.
The usual remedy prescribed by doctors is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and tranquillizers and anti-depressants to which you can become addicted.
Before embarking on such treatment, investigate the natural alternative.
HRT is prescribed to counter balance the reduced production by your body of estrogen which can lead to increased risk of osteoporosis and weakened bones leading to fractures.
However, two large clinical trials have shown that HRT does not, in fact, significantly reduce the incidence of bone fractures, and there is an increased risk of heart disease, gallstones, and breast and endometrial cancer.
Many menopausal symptoms are less to do with a shortage of hormones and more to do with imbalances.
By eating a healthy diet, taking regular exercise and natural supplements, you can boost the health of your bones, and balance sugar levels and your hormones.
It is well known that people in some parts of the world (for example Japan and the Mediterranean countries) rarely suffer from heart disease due to their different national diets.
It is less well known that women in the Andes region of Peru do not suffer menopausal symptoms.
Peruvian women take Maca, a tuberous plant related to the potato.
As well as the beneficial effect on menopausal symptoms, Maca boosts energy and libido.
Maca is also known as "Peruvian Ginseng" and "Peruvian Viagra".
The Incas once inhabited this area and, in order to boost their energy, their warriors used to take Maca before going into battle.
When the Spanish conquered the area they found that their horses suffered from the high altitude.
The locals advised them to feed Maca to the horses and the animals immediately experienced an increase in energy levels.
The Spanish found that what was good for their horses would also benefit humans, so payment for the taxes levied on the locals was taken in Maca.
There are three phases of menopause: the peri-menopause or the period leading up to the menopause.
During this time a low dose of 1500mg is recommended to counteract the slow down in the production by your body of hormones.
During the actual menopause, increase the dose to around 4000mg each day for a period of 2-3 months, and then reduce the dose to 2000mg.
In the post menopause phase, reduce your daily intake of Maca to 1500mg.
It is during the menopause and post menopause phases that the risk of osteoporosis increases and you are advised to also supplement Maca with Forever Freedom, a drinking gel that contains aloe vera, Glucosamine, MSM, Chondroitin and vitamin C.