I received this product and payment for this post from Estroven® products. However, all opinions are 100% my own. To purchase directly visit at Estroven.com.

Menopause is a biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. While it’s a natural and normal stage of life, menopause is often shrouded in myths, stereotypes and misinformation, which can lead to confusion, and unnecessary anxiety for women who are approaching this life transition.

It is important to understand menopause symptoms snd how to treat it, to empower women to better understand and navigate this important stage of life. When you understand what’s happening and why, you have a far better opportunity to manage your health in the way that you choose. You’ll also be better equipped to talk to your health care provider from a position of knowledge and power, further helping him or her focus on addressing your concerns.

When will menopause happen?

Menopause symptoms occurring in your 50s is a big misconception. The truth is menopause symptoms can start occurring as early as a woman’s mid-30s, so being more aware about symptoms can better equip women to seek out helpful solutions.

There are several stages of the menopause transition. Perimenopause happens first, when periods start to become irregular and initial symptoms start to appear. Menopause is officially marked by the absence of menstruation for 12 months. After this point a woman is considered to be in post-menopause, which marks the end of reproductive years.

Will I have hot flashes?

Hot flashes are the most common symptom of menopause, affecting approximately 85% of menopausal women. However, this doesn’t mean you have to suffer through regular discomfort. By making simple lifestyle adjustments, you can turn down the heat before it creeps up on you.

First, it’s important to avoid triggers such as smoking, drinking alcohol, wearing tight and restrictive clothing, using heavy blankets on your bed, and excessive stress. I know it’s easier said than done, but avoiding triggers helps.

Menopause is the same for everyone

There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to menopause and symptoms women experience will vary. Many women assume they’ll experience all the symptoms of menopause, but symptoms and their severity differ for each woman, and it’s important to know there are a wide range of options available to help women thrive through this journey.

Do you need to take hormones to manage your symptoms?

Hormone replacement therapy and prescription medication are options women can use to deal with menopause symptoms, but they are not the only options available. Alternatively, a healthy diet made up of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and high quality lean proteins, along with stress relief techniques and certain dietary supplements, can be extremely helpful in alleviating menopause symptoms.

When it comes to supplements, the key is to look for products with ingredients that are backed by science. For example, there are numerous clinical trials supporting the safety and efficacy of rhapontic rhubarb extract to address menopause symptoms. Estroven^® Complete Multi-Symptom Menopause Relief provides naturally sourced rhapontic rhubarb root extract that is shown to relieve all major menopause symptoms and is proven to provide up to 90% reduction in hot flashes and night sweats*. Soy isoflavones, another component found in some of the Estroven® products like Estroven® Menopause Relief Pre-Menopause and Estroven® Menopause Relief Sleep Cool®, have also been believed to relieve menopause symptoms*. Additionally, clinical data suggests that soy isoflavones help address menopausal symptoms such as reducing hot flashes and night sweats.▲ Learn more at Estroven.com.

Estroven^® products have been clinically shown to help provide relief from a wide range of different symptoms that are linked to menopause. The primary benefits are:

• Reduced potency and frequency of hot flashes, night sweats and occasional sleeplessness*
• Addressing low energy levels, mood swings or mental or physical exhaustion*
• Managing vaginal dryness and occasional bladder leakage from occurring*
• Relief from daily stress, anxiety and depression*
• Improved concentration, sex drive and joint and muscular comfort*

I personally love how affordable and readily available it is. You can find it at many drugstores and at Estroven.com.

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding menopause that can be confusing, but knowledge is power, and by seeking out accurate information and support, women can navigate the menopausal journey with greater confidence and ease, empowering themselves to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. The more that women talk openly and educate themselves, the more we can shift the mindset from women suffering with menopause — or avoiding their symptoms altogether — to women thriving with menopause.

Menopause is just another life stage just like experiencing puberty or adolescence — you can cope with the changes leading up to it and enter this new chapter confidently. You may find that you’ll try a few different options until you find what works best for you, and you may find that sometimes you need to seek the help of others to get you through. Getting together with your closest friends for some much needed bonding, or joining a support group online or in your community, can be great mood boosters and sources of support as you navigate through this journey.

*THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.

▲ Based on a clinical study after 12 weeks of use.

Estroven® and Sleep Cool® are trademarks of DSM