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That could explain why emotional well-being and romantic relationships were ranked as the two areas most affected by menopause symptoms, ahead of professional life, said James Simon, a menopause specialist at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., who helped design the survey questionnaire.

Earlier studies have examined how menopause affects women in general, Simon said, but "a generation ago, there weren't enough female executives to bother" doing a survey of that group.

Simon said he was not compensated for the survey by Barr Laboratories of Woodcliff Lake, N.J.

The firm makes Cenestin, a synthetic, plant-derived prescription for menopause symptoms.

The survey in February was conducted online by pollster Harris Interactive.

Amy Niles, president of the National Women's Health Resource Center in Red Bank, N.J., said that past educational campaigns about menopause have not targeted working women.

They are more likely than their mothers to have to deal with menopause.

"I think we've made great improvements over the last few years in creating awareness that this is a significant issue" that women should discuss with their doctors, Niles said.

"In an executive position .

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you have to look your best," and project a calm, focused and capable image, said Rosalie Roberts, 61, a survey participant who owns an Omaha, Neb., public relations business.

She had moderate symptoms until sever...

That could explain why emotional well-being and romantic relationships were ranked as the two areas most affected by menopause symptoms, ahead of professional life, said Dr.

James Simon, a gynecologist and menopause specialist at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., who helped design the survey questionnaire.

Plenty of earlier studies have examined how menopause affects women in general, said Simon, but “a generation ago, there weren’t enough female executives to bother” doing a survey of that group.

He said menopause symptoms may be more prevalent because of the growing obesity problem.

“Fatter women are more likely to have hot flashes than thinner women,” he explained.

Simon said he was not compensated for the survey by Barr Laboratories of Woodcliff Lake, N.J.

The company makes Cenesten, a synthetic, plant-derived prescription drug for menopause symptoms.

The survey was conducted online by pollster Harris Interactive in February.

The results were expected to be reported last week in San Diego at the annual meeting of the North American Menopause Society, a doctors’ group.

Simon is the group’s immediate past president.

Amy Niles, president of the National Women’s Health Resource Center in Red Bank, N.J., said past educational campaigns about menopause have not targeted women in th...

Fortunately, many of the menopause symptoms are temporary.

Take these steps to help reduce or prevent menopause symptoms effects: 1) If you're experiencing hot flashes, get regular exercise, dress in layers and try to pinpoint what triggers your hot flashes.

For many women, triggers may include hot beverages, spicy foods, alcohol, hot weather and even a warm room.

2) For vaginal dryness or discomfort with intercourse, use over-the-counter water-based vaginal lubricants (Astroglide, K-Y Jelly), moisturizers (Replens, Vagisil) or vaginal estrogen.

Staying sexually active also helps to beat many menopause symptoms.

3) Optimize your sleep.

If you have trouble sleeping, avoid caffeinated beverages and exercise right before bedtime.

Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation, can be very helpful.

4) Pelvic floor muscle exercises, called Kegel exercises, can improve some forms of urinary incontinence, one of common menopause symptoms.

5) Eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and that limits saturated fats, oils and sugars.

Aim for 1,500 milligrams of calcium and 400 to 800 international units of vitamin D a day.

6) Smoking increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer and a range of other health problems.

It may also increase ho...