Learn about Menopause - Factors, Types and Effective Treatment

Menopause

Ending of reproductive capacity of women is menopause. We can assume that a women has achieved menopause if she does not get periods for more than a year provided she is not pregnant or breast feeding.

Women carry a fixed number of eggs ( ova ) in their ovaries. This number is determined at birth and the number does not increase further. A few of these ova are released every month during ovulation, but a majority degenerate.

This way as a women ages her reserve of eggs goes on reducing until a stage comes when the ovaries are nearly depleted of all the eggs.

At this stage the female hormone estrogen reduces and periods cease completely. Average age of menopause is 51. Indian women tend to reach menopause by 45 – 50 years.

Deficiency of estrogen can cause the following :

·        Emotional disturbances ( mental exhaustion, mood swings, lower self confidence )

·        Hot flushes & Night sweats

·        Food cravings and Weight gain

·        Loss of skin tone

·        Decrease bone mass

·        Joint pain

·        Increased risk of fractures

·        Decreased sexual drive

·        Atrophy of genitalia vaginal dryness

·        Urinary Infections

·        Increase risk for heart attacks

A definite way to relieve a lady of these complications is a artificially supplement estrogen. But an estrogen replacement without medical supervision is very dangerous.

Estrogens can be supplemented as gels, pessaries, tablets. Each method has its own advantages and drawbacks. Only a doctor can decide what is best for you.

Some alternate remedies include taking herbal supplements like primrose oil or phyto ( plant derived ) estrogens which is extracted from soya etc.

However these techniques haven’t been scientifically proven to be as effective. Symptomatic relief may be provided for hot flushes by administering beta blockers ( To be taken only under medical supervision ). Relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation can help with the emotional changes.

Yoga

Heart and Menopause

Before menopause women are at lower risk of cardiac problems when compared with men. This is because of the protection offered by estrogen. After menopause women has the same chance of developing heart problems as men.

Bone and Menopause

Estrogen is needed for deposition of calcium in bone. Estrogen deficiency will cause bone loss. Peak bone mass is achieved by 30 years in a female. During the first two years after the menopause, bone mass decreases dramatically.

If the bone was very thick and massive previously it will take more time to degenerate. This is why a lady should give importance to calcium supplementation from a young age.

Children need lots of calcium for their growing bones, between 20 – 35 years additional calcium will be needed to meet the demands of pregnancy and breastfeeding.

It is not enough just to swallow calcium supplements, but its also important to take care of the deposition into bone. Vitamin D, certain hormones and exercise help increase the deposition.

Late Menopause

If you are having periods beyond 50 years, you may harbor a cancer so consult a doctor immediately. Vaginal bleeding after achieving menopause is also a danger sign.

Early Menopause ( When periods stop before 40 years )

Causes include :

·        Genetic / Familial factors

·        Chemotherapy

·        Radiotherapy

·        Autoimmune conditions

·        Infections

·        Surgical removal of ovaries

These people need estrogen supplementation under strict medical supervision.

What a modern lady faces in and around menopausal age

·        Physical Changes

·        Family stress

·        Children’s future and stability

·        Separation from children

·        Job promotion responsibility handling

Meditation

How to maintain health at menopause

·        Do PAP smear, take a screening ultrasound scan, get a gynaecologist’s opinion

·        Test for thyroid functions, sugar, cholesterol, heart fitness

·        Take calcium and multi vitamin supplementationEat a high protein, low fat, low carbohydrate diet

·        Maintain good physical activity

·        Find ways to relieve medical stress ( Yoga, Meditation, etc. )