MANAGE MENOPAUSE WITH ELAN

Women experience the end of the menstrual cycle between 45 and 55. Physicians say that when menstruation is absent in a woman in the above age group for almost a year, it can be considered menopause.

The word menopause is derived from the Greek words ‘men’ (month) and ‘pausis’ (pause), which means the end of monthly cycles. In Ayurveda, menopause is called “Rajonivrutti,” meaning “the end of Artava Pravrutti” or menstruation.

The reduction in the reproductive hormones in women brings the monthly cycles to a halt. While women attain menopause due to aging, surgical procedures, autoimmune diseases, malfunctioning thyroids, and specific treatments like chemotherapy can cause menopause.

Menopause is often associated with a plethora of physical and emotional problems. Some of the major issues women face includes irregular menstrual bleeding, vaginal dryness, emotional turbulence, osteoporosis, and even cardiac problems.

As the body goes through the transition, women experience spotting or genital bleeding. However, if women notice bleeding after menopause, they need to consult a doctor to rule out major health issues immediately. Vaginal dryness occurs because of reduction in estrogen levels. It may lead to frequent urinary tract infections, pain during sex, and vaginal irritation. 

During menopause, women also experience emotional troubles like anxiety, mood swings, lack of concentration, and increased or decreased sex drive. Some women also experience poor memory, which doctors attribute to reduced estrogen levels or lack of blood supply to the brain due to hot flashes. 

Women experience pain and rigidity in joints, osteoporosis, lethargy, backache, palpitations, tenderness in breasts, weight gain, dizziness, dry and itchy skin, urinary incontinence, irregular sleep patterns, night sweats, and hot flushes during menopause. 

It’s essential to have an active lifestyle to avoid cardiovascular issues during menopause. 

Seek help

When you go through menopause, you can feel down and stressed. The fluctuating hormones can leave you baffled and if you cannot manage your menopausal blues, seek medical help.

Lifestyle and diet

Include an exercise regimen in your lifestyle. This would help in managing the weight and can also enhance your mood. Start morning and evening walks, including aerobic exercises like jogging and strength training. 

Increased levels of stress can give rise to cortisol which will worsen the symptoms. Stay calm and try yoga and pranayama for better results. 

You should try including foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D. Dairy products like yogurt, curd, cheese, oily fish, cod liver, green leafy vegetables like kale, and spinach should be included. Include loads of protein and lentils in your meal.

Ayurveda emphasizes the role of herbs and spices in food. Cardamom, cumin, cinnamon, and ajwain are beneficial for the body. Fenugreek seeds, amaranth, and black sesame have high calcium and iron content. Eat timely meals and avoid inconsistent or erroneous diet practices as they may deteriorate the condition. Drink plenty of water so that it helps weight loss, reduces dryness, and averts bloating.

Ayurvedic ways to manage menopause

Ayurvedic physicians prescribe Panchakarma procedures like vasti, virechana, and nasya to manage the symptoms of menopause. Your Ayurvedic physician will be able to advise Ayurvedic medicines to stop excessive bleeding and control hot flashes and vaginal dryness. 

There are arishtams and lehyams to manage the hormonal imbalance, which would help cope with the mood swings. Ask your Ayurveda doctor. 

Some women experience dry and itchy skin and excessive hair loss during menopause. Consult an Ayurvedic physician so that they can assess your health and prescribe medicated oils to manage skin and hair issues.    

Though the mention of menopause triggers many unwelcoming signs, with a positive attitude and support of family, friends, and Ayurvedic consultation, you will be able to have a smooth transition of this phase.