MENOPAUSE 

What is menopause?
Menopause is the time that marks the end of your menstrual cycles. It’s diagnosed after you’ve undergone 12 months without a menstrual period. Menopause can happen in your 40s or 50s. Menopause is a natural biological process.
Let’s talk about stages of menopause as it is not a sudden process. A female experience through series of hormonal, physical and emotional changes/ transition in body before landing up into actual menopause.

STAGES OF MENOPAUSE: Perimenopause –

1. It is transition period leading up to menopause.
2. Hormones become irregular in it.
3. Estrogen hormone gets imbalanced causing Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings etc.
4. It begins in your 40’s and lasts for an average of 3-4 years Menopause –
5. It marks the end of periods and reproductive years.
6. Ovaries no longer releases eggs and hormones.
7. It occurs between 40-55 years.
   Post menopause –
8. It is menstrual free life with ease of symptoms of menopause.
9. Estrogen level stabilizes.
10. Begins at 50’s and last for rest of your life. SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE Fatigue
    Forgetfulness
    Mood changes
    Low libido
    Dry skin and hair loss Heart palpitations
    Trouble sleeping
    Urinary challenges
    Vaginal dryness
    Weight gain

TREATMENT OF MENOPAUSE :
Treatment of menopause depends on how severe your symptoms are and how much are they affecting your day to day life.

1. Calcium supplements : As we know that after menopause calcium decreases in our body drastically, hence it’s advisable to take calcium and vitamin D supplements from peri menopausal period only .
2. Dietary Modification : It is advisable to take High protein and fibre diet during menopause. It’s advised to take plenty nuts and fresh fruits and vegetables so as to have rich anti-oxidants food in diet.
3. Soya rich diet is highly advised as its rich in natural estrogen hormone. Daily diet should include soya in any form in diet.
4. Exercise – Any form of exercise like yoga, 30 min walk, swimming, dancing or jogging is advised to strengthen your muscles and bone.
5. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is advised only if the symptoms are so severe that they are affecting your day to day life. They should be taken only after consultation with your doctor.

Menopause is just like any other phase of life. Don’t be shy to discuss your emotional or physical issues at this age. Help is always there to bring your inner happiness back in your life.