This is the reading room of Scarlet Flores Journal: general, plain-English articles about the changes many women notice in their forties and fifties. Nothing here is medical advice, and none of it replaces an appointment. Think of these pages as a way to get your bearings and to arrive at your doctor's office with better questions.
Menopause basics
According to the National Institutes of Health, menopause is the point at which a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months. The NIH puts the average age at 51, usually somewhere between 45 and 55, while womenshealth.gov gives an average of 52 in the United States, with a usual range of 45 to 58. Start with Menopause 101, then read about the many symptoms people report and how to keep track of them in a symptom diary.
Talking to your doctor
Treatment options, including hormone therapy, are decisions to make with a clinician who knows your history. Our guide to talking to your doctor about menopause and our overview of hormone therapy as a conversation topic can help you prepare.
Sleep, food and movement
- Sleep in Midlife: why nights can change and simple routines worth discussing.
- Eating Well in Midlife, plus thoughts on why we eat what we eat, foods some women choose to limit and handling holiday temptations.
- Walking for Wellbeing and Strength Training and Bone Health. The NIH notes that weight-bearing exercise makes bones work harder, and that a mix of exercise types is best for bone health.
- Staying Cool in Texas Heat, because San Antonio summers average highs of 95°F in July and August.
Reading labels and claims
Many products are marketed to women in midlife. The FDA does not approve dietary supplements before they go on sale, which is one reason to read claims carefully. Our Buying Wisely section explains what to look for and why a pharmacist is a good person to ask.
How to use these articles
Read them as background, not as a plan. Every body is different, and symptoms that look like menopause can have other causes. If something here sounds familiar, write it down and talk to your doctor. We do not sell or recommend any product, supplement or ingredient.