Dealing with Menopause - Slideshow

What is menopause?

It refers to the last menstrual cycle that a woman undergoes

For women, this is inherent in the ageing process. Natural menopause occurs when the ovaries stop producing estrogen. Like in menarche, the age for menopause varies among women. It can happen anywhere between mid-40s to early 60s.

Physiology of menopause

In the mid-thirties, hormone production in the ovaries begins to decline, as with the supply of follicles and eggs.

This process accelerates in the forties, causing irregular menstrual cycles and sometimes, heavy bleeding. Slowly, menstruation will come to an end.

Physiology of menopause

The estrogen hormone continues to be produced in small amounts. But the monthly ovulation cycle has ended at this stage.

Menopause can be identified only retrospectively; about a year after the last period.

Surgical menopause

Besides natural menopause, clinical intervention can also end the reproductive cycle in women.

When the ovaries of a woman are surgically removed (oophorectomy), the woman would immediately be in the "surgical menopause" stage. In partial hysterectomy (when only the uterus is removed), even though menstruation has ended, the ovaries continue to function In this case, menopause will not occur until the ovulation cycle ends.

Signs of menopause

There are identifiable symptoms that set in before menopause.

The most common signs include hot flashes, cold night sweats, decreased libido, extreme and sudden fatigue, insomnia Memory difficulties and forgetfulness, mood swings, pain in the joints, thinning hair, vaginal dryness.

Signs of menopause

Breast tenderness, body odour changes, gum problems

These can also be symptomatic of other illnesses; symptoms must not be considered individually as the onset of menopause.

Medical Side-effects

Reduced production of estrogen has the following side-effects:

Increased risk of cardiovascular disease Heightened chances of osteoporosis Redistribution of weight in the thighs and central abdominal region, leading to the 'disappearing waistline'.

Dealing with Menopause

Exercise and lifestyle changes are important

Eat sensibly. Metabolism slows with age. So burning calories becomes difficult Reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption. Control intake of calories and increase fiber consumption. At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise is mandatory.

Dealing with menopause

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a possible medical option for dealing with menopause.

It replaces the lost hormones - estrogen and progesterone It should be medically prescribed. It can be a pill, skin patch etc

HRT

HRT also reduces risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.

Short-term side effects include symptoms similar to PMS like nausea, headaches, bloating etc Long-term effects are still unknown.

Menopause

Menopause is a normal process in most women; allow it to run its course

Make suitable lifestyle adjustments to meet your changing needs You can also join Medindia's Menopause Support Group. Discuss issues with other women and make real-time consultations with physicians.