Menopause

October 28, 2020Females1

Menopause is not a disease. It is just a transition phase that every woman goes through between the ages of reproductive and non- reproductive ability. The later years in life are not really something women look forward to and would rather skip altogether if that were possible. Numerous changes happens in external as well as internal body of a woman which gives rise to soo many symptoms like bodypain , hotflashes , hormonal changes ,mood changes etc. All these signals the beginning of menopause and the common notion is that this phase is rather difficult and troubling for all women.

Every stage in a woman’s life is special ,right from the moment she is born ,to entering adolescence , displaying a vibrant youth ,celebrating motherhood and even in the advanced mid-life periods and old-age.

Definition of Menopause –

Menopause is the point when a woman no longer has menstrual periods for atleast 12 months. Actually it is defined as a stage of life when you stop having your monthly periods. It is a normal part of ageing and marks the end of your reproductive years. Menopause usually occurs in your late 40s to early 50s. However , women who have their ovaries surgically removed undergo sudden surgical menopause.

Causes –

As per your age , the reproductive cycle begins to slow down and prepares to stop. As near by menopause , the ovaries start producing less of hormone estrogen , due to which changes start appearing in Menstrual cycle . Cycle becomes Irregular and then eventually stop. Physical changes can also happen as your body adapts to different levels of hormones.

What are the hormonal changes during Menopause –

The ovaries are the reproductive glands that store eggs and release them into the fallopian tubes. They also produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone as well as testasterone. Together , estrogen and progesterone controls menstruation. As menopause comes near by , the ovaries no longer release eggs into the Fallopian tubes and then your menstrual cycle comes to an end.

Stages –

Natural menopause is a gradually happening process and it is described in three stages –

1) Perimenopause or menopause transition –

It can begin 8-10 years before menopause ,when the ovaries gradually start producing less estrogen . Usually it starts in woman’s 40s ,but can start little earlier of this age. In last 1-2 years of Perimenopause ,the depletion in estrogen level accelerates. At this stage , many women may experience menopause symptoms but women still having menstrual cycles during this time and can get pregnant. Perimenopause last for about 4 years.

2) Menopause –

Menopause is the stage when a woman no longer has menstrual periods .Here , ovaries stopped releasing eggs and production of estrogen also get to stop simultaneously.

3) Postmenopause –

This is the stage after a woman has not bled for an entire year .In other words it is simply the rest Of your life after menopause. As a result of lower level of estrogen ,post menopausal women are at increased risk for a number of health conditions such as osteoporosis,heart diseases etc.

Symptoms –

1) Hot flashes

2) Night sweats

3) Vaginal dryness

4) Urine urgency

5) Difficulty in sleeping

6) Emotional changes like irritability ,mood swings, mild depression

7) Dry skin, dry eyes or dry mouth

Women who are still in the Perimenopause stage may also experience following symptoms :-

1) Breast tenderness

2) Worsening of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

3) Irregular periods

4) Rapid heart

5) Headaches

6) Joint and muscle aches and pains

7) Changes in libido

8) Hair loss

9) Difficulty in concentrating

Complications –

1) Vulvovaginal atrophy

2) Dyspareunia

3) Slower metabolism

4) Osteoporosis

5) Sudden emotional changes

6) Cataracts

7) Periodontal diseases

8) Urinary incontinence

9) Heart Diseases

Treatment –

If your symptoms are severe or affecting your daily life you may need following treatments :-

1) Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be an effective treatment in women under the age of 60 or within 10 years of menopause onset.

2) Topical minoxidil 5% used once daily for hair thinning and loss.

3) Eflornithine hydrochloride topical cream for unwanted hair growth.

4) Low dose of estrogen based vaginal lubricants in the form of a cream ,ring or tablet.

5) Prophylactic antibiotics for recurrent UTIs .

6) Sleep medication for insomnia.

Ayurvedic Perspective –

. According to Ayurveda menopause is termed as Rajjonivritti which is characterized by aggravation of the Vata Dosha ,there by leading to an Imbalance in three Doshas – Vata ,Pitta and Kapha .As a result Dhatu Kshaya or decline in bodytissue mass occurs , which shows gradual consequence of ageing.

Natural remedies for dealing with Menopause –

1) Arjuna –

It is a herb known for its ability to augment heart function ,thus helping women preserve normal blood pressure and heart functions.

2) Cardamom –

It works as a marvelous mood enhancer , which immensely aids in uplifting mental activities , memory and concentration , soothing depression.

3) Fennel –

It is natural rate reducing spice and passes an intrinsic cooling property which helps to control sweating and body temperature.

4) Guggul –

It contributes as a therapeutic method to shed excess kilos for women undergoing menopause.

5) Garlic –

It is having powerful anti inflammatory properties ,which significantly gives strength to bones , joints and muscles.

Some more Ayurvedic ways which helps a woman to settle after menopause in her life –

1) Medicated Ghee –

Oral administration of suitable medicated ghee to pacify aggravated Vata and Pitta.

2) Nasya –

Nasal administration of higher dose of medicated oils is very useful.

3) Shirodhara –

Pouring of herb decoction , medicated buttermilk over scalp for 45-50 minutes is useful.

4) Abhyang –

To reduce body pain ,dryness etc.full body massage with medicated oils is very effective.

5) Diet –

Usage of fat free dairy products ,leafy vegetables and onion are good while spicy ,sour and salty food are not indicated.

6) Meditation and yoga –

In all psychosomatic symptoms of menopausal syndrome meditation and yoga plays important role.

For more informative articles on health issues, please visit our website www.santripty.com and also feel free to consult.