Although aging is a privilege, it doesn’t always feel that way. Each gender struggles in its own way with changes that inevitably occur over the years. For women, ancient fears and taboos still affect the way people think about “unspoken” topics, and particularly menopause. Inaccurate terms such as “change of life” make this natural course of events sound dire and beyond a woman’s control. As we recognize World Menopause Month in October, the time is right to debunk old myths and focus instead on the various ways in which women can control this natural transition in their lives. Menopause typically begins in the late 40s to early 50s and usually lasts a few years. During the menopausal transition, the body’s production of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones made by the ovaries, varies greatly. As a result, many women experience hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irritability and tiredness. The symptoms can be minor and even unnoticeable for some women and debilitating at times for others.