The many symptoms and physical changes of perimenopause can last anywhere from 6 to 13 years. Menopause itself is defined as the point in time when the period stops completely. However, suffering while going through "the change" isn't inevitable. Dr. Christiane Northrup, a specialist in women's gynecological health and author of The Secret Pleasures of Menopause, believes menopause is the time of life to experience unlimited pleasure. It is a time when a woman needs to learn to recognize and value the things that bring pleasure in her life and deliberately put them in the forefront.
Pleasure, specifically the release of a gas called nitric oxide, is a health enhancer. Nitric oxide helps in the production of neurotransmitters which help the body stay healthy and function well. By boosting the levels of nitric oxide in the body, a woman can have a positive effect on her physical, emotional and spiritual health. In her book, The Secret Pleasures of Menopause, Dr. Northrup offers advice on how to achieve maximal levels of life-giving nitric oxide:
Associate Only With Positive People Everywhere Possible
Thinking positive, optimistic thoughts is associated with higher levels of nitric oxide. Changing thinking patterns is essential. For example, seeing problems as challenges or opportunities for growth is a healthier perspective. Surrounding oneself with upbeat people who are able to laugh a lot makes a happier, healthier woman.
Eat Healthfully, Exercise and Manage Weight
Eating nutritious foods, maintaining a healthy weight and getting plenty of exercise will help boost levels of nitric oxide. Making other healthy choices, such as quitting smoking, drinking more water, getting plenty of sleep and limiting alcohol intake, will also enrich life after menopause. These lifestyle changes keep one mentally alert, physically strong and provide a general feeling of well-being.
Take Pride in Oneself!
Perimenopause can be a turning point in life. It is a great time to evaluate what works and what doesn't. Many women experiment with style, color and fashion. Others reinvent themselves. The most important thing is to make changes for the right reasons, not to please anyone else. Pleasuring oneself is important and regular pampering helps to keep high levels of nitric oxide - so indulge!
Move Forward - Not Backward!
This phase of life is the perfect time to let go of relationships, behaviors and beliefs that are not providing pleasure. Negative emotions put stress on the body and decrease levels of nitric oxide. Instead, cultivate positive relationships and learn to react and deal with events and circumstances with a healthier perspective. Focus on what can be changed and make it happen.
Realize that You are What You Believe
There are many myths associated with menopause. One of the most popular is that a woman's sex drive decreases. The biggest hurdle of a better sex life is accepting that it is possible. Menopausal women should believe that a healthy sex life is part of a healthy lifestyle. In fact, midlife women are very capable of having intimate relationships. They are often more open with their partners about expressing their sexual needs resulting in better sex. Having sex, like all pleasurable activities, helps increase nitric oxide levels in the brain.
Understand that Sex and Health Go Hand in Hand.
Sexual pleasure is a vital part of staying happy and healthy. Having sex that involves both the body and emotions results in a mind-body event that helps reduce tension. By reducing tension and increasing nitric oxide, sex actually helps heal the body.
Krista Sadlers - Krista Sadlers is a freelance writer, based out of Sebastian, FL whose education, work and hobbies have given her areas of expertise in a ...
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