The Oprah Winfrey Show
The Wake-Up Calls of Menopause

"So, it's a time to get healthier overall." — Oprah

"Yes, everything you do now affects the rest of your life." — Dr. Northrup

Dr. Christiane Northrup, author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom and her new book, The Wisdom of Menopause, says women in their 30s and 40s often ignore the wake-up calls of menopause.

Here is her list of what to watch for right now, and what you can do to make menopause better:
bullet Pay attention to your body. PMS, seasonal affective disorder and post-partum depression are wake-up calls. If you ignore them in your 20s, 30s and early 40s, your menopause will be more difficult.
bullet Drink less caffeine. It increases the rate at which calcium is lost in the urine. Drinking more than four cups a day increases your risk of osteoporosis.
bullet To decrease hot flashes and night sweats, cut out alcohol and sugar, as well as refined carbohydrates, like white bread and white sugar.
bullet Weight training helps keep your bones solid and your heart healthy. It also builds muscle mass, which helps your body burn fat more quickly.

Dr. Northrup says that by paying attention to your body now, you can prevent some diseases common to women, including breast cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis. She adds that every woman should become more aware of what her body is telling her, saying, "Your body is you. Every thought, every emotion affects hormone levels."
Message Board How do you feel about going through menopause?

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