Although we are born again christians, there are some feelings we can't ignore because they are part of our feminine nature. Regularly we are patient and understanding. We solve the problems that arise in our lives with the wisdom that God has given us. But, in certain days of the month, the woman we see in the mirror is a complete stranger. We get upset for little things, we feel uncomfortable, troubled, we cry for no reason and we come to believe we are going to explode. It seems as if we have double personality. Then,a feeling of guilt comes upon us; because of something we do or say that it wasn't meant to be said or done.What is happening to me? Why do I feel this way? The problem is more normal than we tend to think. Although we don't believe it, is the famous PMS, that along with the inevitable "change of life" or the clinically known Menopause, makes our life miserable. There are some factors to consider when we talk about this sujbect:

	Menopause is a natural event that indicates the end of fertility and of the menstrual activity. It happens to all of us, no matter if we have had children or not.
	The estrogen levels in a woman reduce gradually after 35, when the ovaries diminish the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones.
	More than 90% of estrogen is produced by the ovaries, and even when the menstrual period has stopped, they keep producing hormones but in less quantity.
	Estrogen is known as the femenine hormone because it plays an important role in molding the body and prepare it for the maternal function. Together with the progesterone, another femenine hormone, it regulates the changes that occur with each menstrual period and prepares the uterus for the pregnancy. The estrogen also stimulates skeleton growth and help maintain healthy bones, as well as the heart and veins by incrementing the good cholesterol and diminishing the bad.
	As a general rule, the average age when natural menopause occurs is 51, but it can happen in women in their 30's and uncommonly, in women in their 60's.
	While some suffer terribly with this emotions and are sensitive even to the most tiny hormonal fluctuation, others go through menopuase without any problems or the symptons are minimun.
	Among the physical symptoms we can experience are; irregular bleeding, memory loss, depression, bad temper, incontinence, anxiety, constipation, weight loss, weight increase, sadness, fatigue, hot flashes, poor circulation, loss of sexual drive, and many, many more. Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid them. Our individual family history influence greatly in the way we experience these.
	A balance diet, exercises, keeping the mind occupied, taking vitamins and minerals, having a good relationship with the family, etc. can aleviate them and are esentials in the battle against the negative feelings that sometimes accompany this process.
	Although the majority of women experience menopause in a natural way, others experience "induced or forced menopause" due to surgeries, quimotherapy, or some medicines. In women that have gone through a total hysterectomy there is a higher risk of heart problems and osteoporosis, due to the sudden loss of hormones, and the above symptoms are more intense.
	There is medical help available that can relieve this emotions or at least make it easier to bear, not only for the woman going through the experience, but also for her family. There is a lot of controversy surrounding the concept of estrogen suplements before and after menopause. Each woman should research all the options before making the correct decision according to her condition. There are no easy answers for it because the estrogen has as many benefits as risks that need to be balanced one against the other. Also, we need to consider that everyone is different, what is good for one, is not neccesarily good for others.

The symptoms of a hormonal unbalance could be more emotional than physical. Occasionally, some women feel out of control. They can't control their appetite. They can't control their feelings; and these can go from mild to extremely severe. Sometimes when they talk, it seems they are upset, but some get violent. Some suffer panic attacks. They feel terrorized, don't want to be alone, they cry because they don't understand what they are going through, they cry for everything, they get easily upset, they get depressed, they are cover by a feeling of guilt,by anguish, and they believe they are going insane or sometimes even that they are going to die.

Many of this women are faithful christians and productive members of their congregations, that feel as if they were in another planet and nobody understand them. They feel no hope and are overwhelmed by emotions that as christian women they're not supposed to feel. Some are trying really hard to serve God faithfully, and due to some physical changes they can't understand, they dismiss the problem as just another satanic attack. Then they get mad at God for feeling this way, and as a consequence, they don't seek the professional help they need and their condition deteriorates to such extreme that some may end up in psychiatric institutions when the only thing they need is a simple medical treatment.

Besides that,the family and the responsabilities, either in the home, the community or the church are terribly affected. Menopause is not only a problem for the woman. If the family or the people at church don't understand this changes, things can get complicated. It is common to hear that if one has more faith or more prayer time, everything would be fine. It is not that one doesn't have faith or is in sin!! It's just the body going through a completely normal process!!!

This subject still tabu in many churches. People continue to spiritualized physical problems and condemm other people because they are sick and talk about it as if it was a sin. This only makes the affected person feel more depressed. Is too easy to dismiss the suffering of others when we are not in their shoes. That's why is so important to teach and practice the love of God and sympathize with those that suffer. Although is not easy to get along with a complaining and upset woman, what she needs the most in moments like this is the support and the love of those around her. 

Let's remember Paul's words: "Blessed be God and Father of our Lord Jesuschrist, the Father of mercies and God af all comfort, who comfort us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (2Co. 1:3-4). The hormonal problems are real physical problems. They are not imaginary or excuses for a strange behavior nor there are spiritual problems. Although faith and prayer are important, the medical attention, specially the preventive, also is. A simple visit to the doctor can determine if one is going through this transition stage.

Do not torment yourself by the strong emotions you may be feeling due to menopause. Accept them as another process, taking the neccesary steps to aliviate its efects. There are millions of women throughout the world going through menopause that live a complete and victorious life in Christ. With the help of the Holy Spirit and a small pill,their lives are completely normal. Don't forget that God created women. Menopause does not surprise Him. He knows what we are going through. He understands and cares for us. After all, God loves us as we are, PMS or not.

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