Menopause is a woman's time of wisdom, power and knowledge.

It is a natural progression in life's journey and a time for new decisions and new beginnings.

The menopause is a series of changes in a woman's body, mind and emotions and not something to be feared, avoided and treated.

It should be embraced and used to rediscover the real you.

The path of menopause is more than just a physical event. Apart from hot flushes, a woman may experience fatigue, irritability, depression, anxiety, problems concentrating, mood swings and low self-esteem.

If you approach the menopause with a positive attitude, you will find the process very rewarding and easier to manage. Yes, many women experience irritating and uncomfortable symptoms but there are many ways to deal with them.

Homeopathy is safe and very effective.

Many of the experienced symptoms are not specific to menopause. They can occur in many people of both sexes and all ages.

It is true that hormonal changes can produce feelings of vulnerability on an emotional level, as there is a very close relationship between the body and the mind.

Physical and emotional symptoms cannot be separated.

The relative difficulty or ease of living with menopause depends on all aspects of the individual and her life.

In other words, everything she is, contributes to how she will experience menopause.

If a woman has always been anxious, menopause may heighten her anxiety.

If she has always overcome difficulties with ease, this stability will help her to adapt.

Menopause happens at a time of life already filled with difficulties - death, separation, loss of work, care of elderly relatives, children leaving home, financial problems, retirement etc.

The menopausal woman is faced with yet another stressful situation, stretching her ability to accept and adapt even more.

Changes in body image take on a special importance as certain signs of aging become more pronounced.

Living in a society which is focused on youth, beauty and desirability, the menopausal woman can often be overcome with sadness or even anger.

To help them cope, many turn to HRT as a panacea but homeopathy has proven very successful in dealing with not only the physical discomforts of menopause but also with the emotional problems.

A homeopath will consider all aspects of the woman's life and personality. The family and medical history are taken into account and the chosen remedy is tailor-made for her individual needs.

This type of treatment should be done by a professional homeopath.

However, some over-the-counter remedies can be very helpful:

Aconite: Restlessness, sleeplessness, anxiety and fearfulness.

Belladonna: Excitability, restlessness and mental hyperactivity.

Lachesis: Talkative, suspicious and moody women.

Chamomilla: Hypersensitivity to pain and irritability.

Sepia: Depression, wanting to withdraw from the world, irritability and lack of interest in sex.

Pulsatilla: Mood changes, sadness, weepiness and desire for consolation.

ElizabethWhitney is a qualified, registered homeopath and can be contacted at Advanced Homeopathic Centre, 20 New Road, Brighton. Call 01273 390938 or email elizabethwhitney@onetel.net.uk