Menopause
Menopause is a natural process that occurs because of functional inactivity of the ovaries. These also control estrogen production. In addition to a decrease in estrogen levels, menopause results in decreased progesterone levels as well, which means released eggs cannot be fertilized
There is no set age for the menopause to occur, although it usually occurs between the ages of forty-five and fifty-five.
Stages of menopause
While menopause is usually divided into two main stages, pre-menopause and post-menopause, it can be broadly divided into the following four stages:
1. Pre-menopause: this refers to the fertile or reproductive age of woman’s life; it spans from the time of her first period to her last period
2. Perimenopause: this stage refers to the years immediately preceding menopause; perimenopause is characterized by hormonal changes that often lead to menopause symptoms and usually occurs between 45 and 60 years of age. It usually lasts for a period of 2 to 6 years.
3. Menopause: menopause occurs when a woman has her final period. Menopause is the permanent termination of a woman’s period and her fertility. This stage is confirmed when a woman does not have a period for twelve consecutive months. Most women experience natural menopause, but some may experience artificial, or premature menopause. Natural menopause is caused by aging and occurs after a natural decline in estrogen and progesterone production. Artificial menopause usually follows a medical intervention, such as a hysterectomy, radiation treatment to the pelvic area or the removal of the ovaries. Premature menopause refers to when a woman stops menstruating before she is forty years old. This can occur due to smoking, heredity or exposure to chemicals and over doses of drugs or medication.
4. Post menopause: this term refers to the stage after a woman’s last period; due to a decline in hormone levels, this stage brings with it a new set of health concerns, including heart disease and osteoporosis, hot flashes and body aches in certain cases..
The symptoms of menopause
Many symptoms indicate the menopause condition of a woman. A few of these are given below, as they occur during the perimenopause stage.
• hot flashes and night sweats
• depression
• mood swings
• dry skin and hair
• anxiety
• insomnia
• weight gain
• vaginal dryness
• bone density loss
• changes in libido and sexual enjoyment
Medical and natural treatments for menopause
There are many opinions to treat various symptoms of menopause, which are thought to be the side effects of it..
Hot flashes-Dressing in light layers can alleviate hot flashes and night sweats; avoiding caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods can also minimize these symptoms, as can deep breathing
Depression and mood swings: These are characterized by a decreased interest in life, fatigue, loss of appetite, thoughts of suicide and talk of death. Vitamin B complex and exercise can help minimize these menopausal symptoms
Anxiety: Symptoms of anxiety include feeling out of control, increased heart rate and difficulty in breathing. Herbal menopause treatments include passionflower, valerian root and vitamin B, which boost the nervous system. Aromatherapy is also beneficial, and lavender has a particularly calming effect. Yoga, tai chi and meditation can also help relieve anxiety
Vaginal dryness: Menopause decreases vaginal elasticity, leading to vaginal dryness. Vitamin E can help, as can exercises, which help restore elasticity. Using water-based lubricants during sexual intercourse also minimizes discomfort related to vaginal dryness
Weight gain: Menopause and weight gain tend to go together, with weight gain generally occurring in the perimenopause stage. However, studies show that this is due more to lifestyle changes than to the hormonal changes that occur during menopause. Weight gain during menopause has been conclusively linked to an increased breast cancer risk. Reducing dietary fat intake and exercising regularly can help to combat weight gain during menopause.
Although there are many more treatments and advices available to control the menopause affects, the same cannot be described here in detail, and will be explained in another article.