I got my first recognisable menopausal symptoms about a year after my 50th birthday.

Sometimes there was a sense of shifting energies in my body, particularly early in the morning. I found them uncomfortable and decided they were caused by stressful events that were happening in my life at the time. But when I stopped menstruating, I realised the menopause must have started.

When I occasionally felt sudden surges of heat in my body I was relieved. At least this was a symptom I had heard about. And I occasionally felt tearful without quite knowing why.

I decided to simply accept it, to ride the symptoms out. This approach proved to be very beneficial. I wished I'd accepted what was happening far earlier. I now know that changes in my body sometimes cause tiredness and that I need to pace myself sensibly. But there are other times when I walk with a bounce in my step and feel as zestful as a teenager.

I take herbal remedies and meditate and want to do more yoga. Exercise and a good diet helps, as does a philosophical attitude.

In my case the menopause has involved some soul-searching. I have felt the need to identify what I truly care about, what brings more depth and meaning to my days. I've found that there is a cut-the-bullshit side to it. Authenticity suddenly seems far more attractive than pretending to be someone you are not.

I should probably emphasise that these are just my views. Women experience the menopause in hugely diverse ways, and some hardly notice it is happening.

I have found that humour is a great ally. I only mention menopause when it feels appropriate. There are

many conversations where the word would land with an unnecessary thud. But

there are times when I giggle like a kid with female pals about it.

It can, at times, be wonderfully weird. That's why Menopause The Musical had them laughing so much. But sometimes it's also good to remember that "this too shall pass".

www.gracewynnejones.com