The time in a woman’s life when periods stop can be seamlessly simple or it may be fraught with many problems . Gone are the days when one had to endure them ; it’s time to now seek options that help you ease into menopause .
Phases of menopause :
1. Peri menopause: The few years preceding menopause when ovaries start producing less oestrogen hormones leading to irregular or scant / heavy periods , hot flashes , mood swings , weight issues , coarse skin and hair , vaginal dryness , sore breasts and increased frequency of urination.
2 Menopause: Natural menopause happens after the age of 40 years of life . If it happens before 40, it is called Premature Menopause. Menopause implies that there are no periods for one year.
3 Post menopause: The years following menopause are referred to as the post menopausal years .
With increased life expectancy and a better socio economic class and changed life style more and more women are grappling with menopausal and post menopausal symptoms .
Symptoms of menopause are hot flashes , sweating in the head and neck region , fatigue , irritability , depression , anxiety , breast heaviness, increasing weight which may be more difficult to lose , vaginal dryness, lack of interest in sex , often due to painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness,urge to urinate more frequently and urinary tract infections.
Later on in life there may be palpitations and heart disease, osteoporosis ( weak bones and joints ) and insomnia as well .
Diagnosis:
It is that phase of life that is inevitable and most women know their bodies and can make a diagnosis on their own with the advent of these symptoms.
Your doctor may do some blood tests like
S FSH
Estradiol
Thyroid tests
S AMH
Along with these they may get an ultrasound and DEXA scan for determining your bone strength .
Treatment for menopausal symptoms involves
Hormone replacement therapy
Topical hormonal creams
Non hormonal therapy to ease vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes
Medicines and supplements like Vitamin D and calcium .
The advantages of healthy lifestyle like exercise , clean eating and keeping your weight in check are multifold and are greatly needed . Also Kegel’s exercises to tighten pelvic floor muscles and staying socially active are extremely important . Yoga , pranayam and breathing exercises and alternate forms of exercise like Tai-chi and acupuncture also have a place in treatment . Avoidance of smoking and alcohol ( or drinking in moderation ) is strongly recommended .
Remember , this is an important phase in our life and is an inevitable part of our journey . May we empower each other in this stage of life ; may we have stronger , calmer , mentally , socially and emotionally equipped band of women – strong enough to understand and adapt to the changes in our bodies …. Strong and powerful !
