When the WHIs study on HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) was halted prematurely due to health concerns for its participants, the United States 45 million menopausal women were left to fend for themselves. Some kicked HRT cold-turkey, suffering the immediate and ferocious onslaught of hot flashes, night sweats and heart palpitations. Others remained on HRT choosing the threat of increased risks of many fatal diseases over the unpleasantness of menopausal symptoms. Still others sought alternative treatments and remedies to help cope with the hormonal changes.

In a culture that celebrates youth more than any other society in the world, millions of women have been forced to look aging square in the crows footed eye. Ever since the menopause cure was yanked from womens grasps how are they coping? As Marilyn Kentz and Nancy Alspaugh say in their book Not Your Mothers Midlife, All you need is a sense of perspective and a sense of humor

With that philosophy in mind, a growing trend of menopausal entertainment and community highlights one very important medical fact: FUN is the safest prescription for menopause. A slew of clubs, websites, theatrical productions and even a popup book, all dedicated to menopause and aging, have cropped up; proving that when all else fails, a menopausal woman can always feel better by having a good time.

In the Red Hat Society, a country-wide community organization, gangs of 50+ women clad in red hats descend on malls, coffee shops, restaurants and even national talk-shows, and act the way they wish they had when they were younger. The message is clear: aging women are not ready to shrivel up and die just yet.

MenOpop is the worlds first menopause pop-up and activity book that with its 3-D pop-up uterus, The Menopause Fairy and MenOland The Board Game, lets menopausal women and their friends and family laugh and play through understanding menopause.

Keep your eye on the theatre, and youll see the national tour of Menopause the Musical. Menopause is even infiltrating your computer through entertainment websites devoted to hot flashing and mood swinging. Currently online there is www.minnipauz.com, which features humorous cartoons and www.menopop.com, an entertainment website where its cool to be hot. A companion to the pop-up book, it features online video games, virtual paper dolls, a print-and-make-your-own pop-up bookmark, and community tip-swapping.

So, join the fun and try this new approach for yourself with the MenO Pop-Quiz:

1. How many women are going through menopause right now?

A. Just you. B. You and a guest. C. Millions, and millions, and millions, and you.

2. What happens after menopause?

A. Theres something after menopause? B. People no longer cower when you enter the room. C. You find yourself making finger puppets out of your unused tampons.

3. What are the warning signs that you are menopausal?

A. You are surrounded by idiots. B. Youre looking forward to the next Ice Age C. What was the question, again?

Answers: (there are no answers, just many many more questions)