Women's health: Menopause
Post by on Monday, August 16, 2021
It is the end of a woman's reproductive years when the monthly period stops. It is defined as when a woman no longer has menstrual periods for a period of one year. Menopause usually occurs in the late 40s or early 50s.
It is a normal part of aging when the ovaries stop producing eggs and the hormones estrogen and progesterone which maintain the normal menstrual cycle.
The process of menopause starts well into 40s a period known as perimenopause. During this transition time, periods may become irregular, heavy or painful. Then the periods start becoming scanty and irregular and finally stop.
During menopause, the most common symptoms are hot flashes, sweating, vaginal dryness, increased urination, tiredness and difficulty in sleeping.
Some women experience mood swings, irritability and mild depression. Some get dry skin and facial hair growth. Ladies, Menopause is natural! You need to make lifestyle changes to counter bone loss and emotional stress.
• Eat a healthy diet full of soybeans lentils, fruits and vegetables
• Avoid triggers of hot flashes like caffeine, spicy foods, stress and anxiety
• Start doing pelvic floor exercises
• If your symptoms are severe, consult a doctor
• If symptoms of depression, anxiety are overwhelming seek medical help
• Keep your brain busy in activities like crossword puzzles, yoga, regular exercise and think of it as a positive time in your life
• After all, our great grandmothers didn't live so long to experience menopause.
