Different women experience menopause in different ways. While there are some experiences that everyone can expect to have, for most, menopause is a lonely journey. With such a wide array of potential symptoms, from depression to weight gain to general feelings of unease, it’s hard to create a single form of medication that’s applicable to every woman.

But there is one solution: Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Called BHRT for short, it won’t cure menopause, or even put it off, but it will alleviate those unpleasant symptoms. And though it’s been around for almost two decades, BHRT only recently gained popularity as a reliable and healthy way to combat the natural effects of aging.

Before BHRT prescriptions came along, doctors would prescribe synthetic hormones, which were often designed by pharmaceutical companies. But because these synthetics are foreign to the human body, they carried unwanted side effects with them. What’s more, the synthetics couldn’t be fine-tuned to the body chemistries of individual patients, so there was no guarantee that a given symptom would be addressed.

Unlike synthetic hormones, bio-identical hormones are derived from natural sources, and thus match the formula of those hormones already in your body. BHRT prescriptions are designed to mimic your body chemistry perfectly, which makes the entire menopause experience — from beginning to post-menopause — easier on your body and mind. Since every woman’s body chemistry is different, every BHRT prescription is different. A good compounding pharmacist can work with you and your health care provider to determine the best course of action for you.

So how can you decide whether a bio-identical hormone replacement therapy prescription is for you?

Learn the ropes. All women experience menopause in different ways, but there are some common symptoms that can tip you off that it might be your time. Has it been more than two or three months since your last period? (As a corollary to this question: Are you sure you’re not pregnant?) Do you seem to be gaining weight despite eating right and exercising? Are you having trouble sleeping?

Know your symptoms and medical history. Compile a list of your symptoms to bring to your doctor. Figure out your most pressing concerns, and what kind of changes you’d like to see. Your doctor may ask you why you’re pursuing a BHRT prescription — be prepared to answer her.

Talk to your doctor. If you’re between doctors, this may be the perfect time to find one who’s familiar with BHRT. Since it’s still somewhat new, there may be doctor out there who aren’t well-schooled in it, or who don’t support it.

Learn as much as possible. Read more than just this article. Google is your friend here, and so is your doctor. Before making the final leap, learn everything you can about bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.

D. Michael Kirby is a freelance writer living in California. He writes about health and fitness, home improvement, technology, and a wide array of other topics. One of his clients, Beacon Prescriptions, is Connecticut’s premier compounding pharmacy, with locations around the state.

Visit Beacon Prescriptions here: http://www.beaconcompounding.com

Today’s woman has so many concerns throughout the day. No longer is the stereotypical stay-at-home mom a reality. Many a woman is juggling a career, kids, community activities, and possibly home-schooling, in addition to everyday chores. In a 24-hour day, she stuffs 30-40 hours of living. Sometimes, it is hard to remember that she is not superwoman, and sometimes what she wants is a little silk and lace for Christmas.

A woman is good at so many occupations. Touted as the weaker sex, a woman can usually work a man under the table, so to speak. Although role sharing is becoming more acceptable, who is usually the one who cleans and cooks after work, bathes the kids, tucks them in, and then starts a load of laundry for work tomorrow? Under similar conditions, no wonder a woman often feels unappreciated.

Sometimes, a woman deserves a little pampering. What she wants is a little silk and lace, and to feel beautifully feminine. So, why not consider something a little different for Christmas this year? Instead of getting her something for the home, or an item she needs regardless of the holiday, give her something special in her stocking; or, simply give her stockings.

A gift certificate or a package from a lingerie store is much more than the expected nowadays. In addition to the expected sleepwear, specialty shops sell seasonal lingerie. Stockings for the holidays, and other accessories befitting the season, are only a small part of the inventory.

Lounge wear, costumes, and shoes are also available for making her spirit a little brighter. The choices are virtually countless. Once you have made the decision to purchase a little silk and lace for Christmas, you will definitely be challenged to pick out the perfect gift.

Do not simply give up and give her the standard fare. Remember, a gift certificate is always an option if you cannot decide. Otherwise, pick out several items and give her a smorgasbord of silk and lace for Christmas.

A work at-home-mom, Tina Matsunaga is a freelance writer with a degree in English and secondary education. She works for Internet marketers, small business owners, and individuals in need of her writing or tutoring skills.