There is one true certainty in every womans life and that is that she will go through the menopause at some point. But while it may be known as the change of life it is no longer the end of life as many women used to think of it. Most people are aware of early symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, mood swings and irritability.   But while many of these side effects are commonly known, many women remain unaware of long-term effects, including weakened bones leading to osteoporosis and raised cholesterol levels. Nowadays, better understanding of the menopause, thanks to studies like the Flora pro.activ Check for Change Report and better treatment options mean that many women find themselves making healthy lifestyle choices that limit the side effects of the menopause more than ever before.

In Ireland women are eight times more likely to die from CVD than they are from breast cancer, although the general public belief is that the most common cause of death is cancer.

Maintaining a healthy weight and changing your diet to reduce cholesterol raising saturated fats is another measure that is easy to adopt. Doctors recommend following a balanced, healthy diet that includes lean meat and fish, fruit and vegetables, wholegrain bread, pasta and rice, and nuts. A diet rich in plant sterols has been shown to reduce the absorption of bad cholesterol. Being physically active is also important. Regular exercise for 30 minutes a day, such as a brisk walk or run or taking part in the Flora Womens Mini Marathon will also help to boost your well-being and is a great way to keep fit.  It is a good idea to also get your cholesterol levels checked. Doctors can check cholesterol levels with a simple blood test. Your cholesterol is considered high if it exceeds 5mmol/L.