Changing Moon - A Woman's Guide to the Menopausal Journey

A Quest by Patricia May DeMarco

The leading edge of the post WWII Baby Boom Generation has reached menopause. Busy and productive women are entering the climacteric phase of their lives in increasing numbers. Many are finding inadequate or erroneous answers to their many questions regarding the menopausal process from the medical establishment. Others question the system's ability to provide enough medical support and treatment for the wave of women on the verge of experiencing menopause in the very near future.

To assist the woman wanting to know more about herself and is willing to be involved in the process, I am creating "Changing Moon ﾑ A Woman's Guide to the Menopausal Journey." This guide grows out of an interest in the aging process, especially during my own menopausal transition. My purpose is to provide a framework to facilitate the self-discovery process, and direct the menopausal traveler to resources for meeting their individual needs. Changing Moon will also provide directions for developing each woman's menopausal journey as a personal expression of an important life transition. Feedback and dialogue will facilitate communication among women.

Changing Moon is intended for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for qualified medical care. A personal profile developed using the Guide will provide the basis for an educated conversation with health care practitioners and improve the chances for a healthier and more comfortable menopause. There are many choices on the menopausal journey and the most important is to become informed and responsible.

"Changing Moon ﾑ A Woman's Guide to the Menopausal Journey" treats menopause as a healthy life process in need of exploration. The traveler will work with topics such as:

  • The emotional baggage that can hinder a healthy journey*
  • Hormone replacement therapies*
  • Complementary holistic health care practices*
  • Finding support groups to validate our stories*
  • Herbal lore and the importance of using herbs for long term tonic care*
  • A look at diet and lifestyle choices*
  • The importance of exercise and relaxation programs*
  • Surviving a shipwreck in the real world of economics and/or personal loss*
  • Security vs. breaches of trust*
  • Taking time out for personal contemplation*
  • Using healthy beauty and sex aids*
  • Dressing for health and comfort*
  • An exploration of personal passions through a variety of media*
  • Ceremony and its relevance to modern women*
  • Using guided imagery to rebirth the empty womb syndrome*

Initial reaction has been very positive from both women and men. Since menopause affects all family members, colleagues and friends, we will also explore how to sustain healthy relationships during this challenging, yet highly creative transition. We will include personal stories and poetry to further complement and add perspective to the journey through Changing Moon.

Changing Moon Blend is an herbal formulation for women experiencing PMS and/or menopausal symptoms. From the shelves of Full Circle Botanicals, I blended six herbs which have historically been used by women to normalize and balance the hormonal event and alleviate the stress of PMS and menopause. Changing Moon Blend is currently being recommended by health care practitioners and sold in health food stores. It can be ordered through Full Circle Botanicals at *.

Patricia May DeMarco and her husband Michael own and operate Full Circle Botanicals, a small herbal company located in Sandpoint, Idaho. They have spent over three decades together honoring the plant world. Working for many years with Native elders in Alaska has enhanced their training, as has recent work with traditional herbal practitioners in New Mexico. They specialize in alcohol extracts and tonic teas, as well as salves and oils, using only locally wild-harvested and organically grown herbs of the highest quality.

Their blended formulas are based on empirical data and the oral tradition, plus reviews of modern literature and scientific studies, all filtered through our personal experience. Quality herbs brewed in small batches, with attention to detail, is a hallmark of our business. Due to the hand-tended, careful process we use to make our products, quantities are limited. A product sheet is available upon request.

Patricia DeMarco will be guiding this quest. Questions and comments are welcome. Patricia may be reached at herbal@netw.com or telephone at 208-265-6162.