The "M" Word - Yes Let's Talk Menopause And What That Means

You have no idea how uncomfortable I feel writing that word. It's not something I've ever given any thought to (to be honest because I figure if I ignore that it's going to happen, it might not!). It also smacks of aging, wrinkles, despondency, a sense of ending with no idea of what is next, and a feeling of exclusion, though from what I'm not sure.

But, according to Jill Shaw Ruddock, it doesn't have to be like that.

Last week I attended a City Women's Network event in London where Jill was the key speaker. It was an illuminating and interesting whistle-stop tour through her new book "The Second Half of Your Life".

Her premise to the whole book is that the post menopause time of our life doesn't have to be a slowly sagging ending "we can age but we don't need to grow old".

Probably the most daunting fact that she came out with which was a perspective changer for me, is that if you're fit and healthy at 50 you're likely to live to 96 (91 if you're male). That really does mean you are only half way through your life.

So as the hormones that dictate our nurturing, caring selfless side begin to fade we are able to step into a time of our lives where we get to do what we want, become more creative and focus on achieving what we have not yet achieved.

Sure, there will be mood swings, hot flushes, forgetfulness and all the other often quoted side effects that come with menopause, but the shift of hormones will also create a new you, a woman who can do and create something really good.

And relationships? Well, just think how leading a fulfilling life changes you and in turn the effect you have on others. Make the most of this time to create who you want to be, do the things you want to do, the hormones are playing in your favour.

Jill suggests a new "5 a day" to focus on:

Stay connected to friends and family

Cultivate a passion - go try some new things out or pick up an old interest

Find a purpose greater than yourself - get involved, you never know who you might meet!

Exercise 6 times a week - find something you enjoy, help lift those moods

Eat well - respect your body and feed it to keep it in great shape

You get to choose how you play your cards for the second half of your life. Enjoy it.

p.s. I want to add a final note about the actual book. I'm still reading it and enjoying it. It's written by a focused, successful, upbeat woman so the style may irritate/intimidate some, which going by some of the reviews it clearly has.

It's also written from the perspective of a married woman with 2 children and as that's not me, there can be bits where the connection gets lost. However, I've found it enlightening and motivating so if this is a topic you've been avoiding looking into, you might find it so too!