THREE QUESTIONS WITH DR. CHRISTIANE NORTHRUP: Menopause doesn’t signal the end

Menopause. It’s not a sexy conversation starter. Instead of fresh and new, it signals the beginning of the end for many women.

But it doesn’t have to be that way, says Dr. Christiane Northrup, author of “The Secret Pleasures of Menopause.”

Northrup presents a three-hour forum tonight at the Georgia International Convention Center and tells how stressed and hurried women, who feel a sense a doom at the first hint of menopause, can get their groove back.

The New York Times best-selling author says women can transform their lives by owning their sensuality and sexuality.

Northrup’s lessons are rooted in her own journey. The 59-year-old obstetrician and gynecologist says she experienced perimenopause 10 years ago as she struggled through a divorce.

In a recent phone conversation from her home in Maine, Northrup explained how she went from “breakdown to breakthrough” and shed light on the so-called change of life women face.

Q: You don’t usually hear “sensuality and pleasure” in the same breath as “menopause.”

A: When people think about menopause, they think hot flashes, night sweats, throwing the roast out the window, etc. That’s really perimenopause. Menopause is your final period. I want women to know that things get better, and it’s far more pleasurable than you ever dreamed.

Q: How can women start to explore their sensual side?

A: It’s literally taking moments to be present with what feels good. Seeing what foods taste pretty good. Having a massage or taking a moment to rub oil on your feet at the end of the day.

Q: What do you suggest as the first step?

A: Get a girlfriend and form a pact. Women are cheerleaders for each other. My hope is women around the world will use the book to begin these little pleasure pods where they encourage each other. You have the ability to create and nurture life.

LECTURE

Women’s health expert Dr. Christiane Northrup speaks on “The Secret Pleasures of Menopause” at 7 tonight at the Georgia International Convention Center, 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park. $50. For tickets, visit www.drnorthrup.com or www.hayhouse.com. 1-800-654-5125 and 770-997-3566.