The Wisdom of Menopause

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jtgarner99: Do you believe that progesterone cream helps bone growth and post-menopausal women? I have been using it for three months.

chris_northrup_md: Right now we don't have enough solid data on bone loss and 2% progesterone cream. However, in an ongoing study, it looks as though bone loss is halted with the cream at menopause, but the cream doesn't increase bone density. So many factors contribute to healthy bones that I think it's important that we get away from thinking that there is one thing that will take care of a process as complicated as bone metabolism.

asimpkinson: Don't forget to check out Dr. Northrup's new book, "The Wisdom of Menopause " and log on to her website--www.drnorthrup.com--for information about her activities, workshops, etc.

Lekvar_5: Do you think menopause should be celebrated in the same way some families celebrate a girl's first period?

chris_northrup_md: I have noticed that many, many women are doing just that! These celebrations range from conventional parties to full-blown croning ceremonies. I personally felt compelled to have a large 50th birthday party but wasn't at all interested in marking my 40th birthday. I think anything like this is a great idea.

Lekvar_5: My aunt claims she never went through menopause. Is this possible? And did she miss an important period (pardon the pun) of spiritual growth because of it?

chris_northrup_md: It's common to hear from women who never had any symptoms during the menopausal transition. One day, they just stopped having periods and went on with their lives. I have a feeling that this was more common in the '40s and '50s than it is now, and that's because nobody even wanted to talk about menopause until the last five to 10 years. So it's possible that there was some denial going on.

The spiritual rebirth of menopause is very compelling, but it certainly needn't wreck one's life. It can be a very gentle awakening.

schubird123: There is a sense of loss at menopause, that you're no longer fertile or youthful. How can you keep this loss from becoming depressing?

chris_northrup_md: The only parts of life that are eternally valuable and perennial are love, knowledge, and a connection with our souls. The more we dwell on summertime when the winds of autumn begin to blow, the more miserable we'll be. But if we use this time to connect with our deepest selves, we develop a sense of proportion, and a sense of humor that is delightful. Ultimately it's simply a choice we must make to accept the time of life we're in. There's no power on the planet that can make us 20 again.

I also suggest that we expand the concept of fertility. It is far more than the ability to bear a child. It's all about our ability to create with others, and that increases at menopause.

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