Understanding woman’s health during menopause

For women, menopause is a significant transition, not just physically but, also mentally. Its nature’s way of reminding you that you’ve been on quite a journey and it’s time for a new chapter in your life.

Menopause is different for every woman, which make it hard to comprehend. Plus the lack of information makes it even harder to know about it more. Since our culture and society doesn’t support any conversations related to this subject, over the time, women have starting feeling embarrassing, confusing about it. Plus the realisation of growing old takes a toll on a woman emotionally. Although these feelings are 100% normal, the way menopause is looked at needs to change. And, for this change to happen, we need to be open for both — information and conversation.

In this article, we will discuss:

• Symptoms of menopause
• Diet during menopause
• Menopause treatment

What is menopause?

To put it simply, menopause is essentially a permanent end of the menstrual cycle. A sign to know that you are in menopause is, you will miss periods for 12 consecutive months. This is not caused by any kind of medication. Which means it takes almost a year to confirm that you’ve reached menopause.

This phase indicates the end of fertility and childbearing years for a woman. Generally, natural menopause is a result of decreased production of sex hormones namely progesterone and estrogen in the ovaries. It’s also caused by the depletion of ovarian oocytes (eggs), which are affected as a woman ages. This reduction in hormone levels and egg counts mean that there is no longer a need for menstruation; hence, the period stops.

However, before you get to come to the menopausal phase, there is a small phase called perimenopause. This time is known to be pre-menopausal stage. Often these stages, including menopause, show symptoms to indicate their commencement.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

While heading towards menopause, your hormones undergo several changes. These changes affect the menstrual cycle and cause several symptoms. Some of the common symptoms of menopause are:

• Hot flashes
• Vaginal infections
• Irregular periods and untimely spotting
• Irregular sleep
• Memory problems
• Urinary problems
• Mood swings
• Depression and anxiety
• Less physical engagement with your partner

Once you start noticing these problems, it is crucial to visit your doctor. The symptoms of menopause can vary in intensity for every woman; hence it is essential to seek medical consultation when you notice any of these problems. There are plenty of alternative therapies that can help you in relieving menopausal effects.

What should your diet be during menopause?

Sleep deprivation, depression, anxiety, and a constant decline in the estrogen levels can impact your cholesterol levels and the way your body digests carbs.

Hence, your diet during menopause should be a balanced one. Include one portion of the following foods in every meal:

• Dairy foods
• Healthy fats in the form of fish and nuts
• Whole grains
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Phytoestrogen-containing foods

Foods to avoid during menopause are:

• Processed carbs
• Spicy foods
• High-salt foods

A quick visit to a dietician can help you chalk out a healthy meal plan for each day.

Is there a menopause treatment?

While many women may not need menopause treatment, others might. Depending upon your symptoms of menopause and the intensity of it, you may require certain treatments to go through this phase. If the symptoms are mild and do not interfere with your daily activities, then you can continue normally. However, if you are bothered by your symptoms, then, visiting a doctor and seeking consultation for the same can help. Some of the menopause treatments are as follows:

• Hormone therapy
• Vaginal estrogen
• Low-dose antidepressants
• Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, etc.)
• Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay, etc.)
• Medications to prevent or treat osteoporosis

Our last word:

Menopause is an extremely sensitive time for a woman. To help relieve the stress of this phase, you can also turn to yoga and meditation. These two have proven to be great menopause treatment. Additionally, it is crucial to be in a calming environment. A stressed environment may add to the already existing anxiety.