Christine Schmitthenner wants women to know that menopause does not have to be a negative stage in life.

Christine Schmitthenner
“Our society for years has always thought of menopause as a disease, but it’s a natural part of life,” said Schmitthenner, a certified registered nurse practitioner. She said the menopausal years are the “wisdom years” in a woman’s life.
 
On March 22 from 2 to 4 p.m., she will lead a free workshop called “Natural Approaches to Menopause” at St. Mary’s Hospital’s Health Connections. The event’s focus is on finding ways to deal with the symptoms of menopause without necessarily reaching for medication. 
 
Menopause occurs as a woman ages and her ovaries stop producing enough estrogen and progesterone. Women on average have their last period around age 50, but may experience menopause between ages 41 and 59.
 
Typically women in the menopausal years may experience hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, emotional and physical changes, and mental fogginess, Schmitthenner said. She said many women choose to take hormone replacement medications to help ease the symptoms of menopause, but medication may not always be necessary. During the March 22 event, she will feature food samples like soy nuts and ground flaxseed and may also demonstrate elements of yoga, acupressure points and breathing techniques to help reduce stress and hot flashes. 
 
“Every single woman is different,” she said. “I’m trying to share information that women can find what works best for them.”
 
If you are interested in attending the free workshop or have questions, call St. Mary’s Hospital’s Health Connections at (301) 475-6019.