Mindful Menopause
The power of learning integrative medicine takes you away from the conventional methods of science to a much more wholesome approach to mind, body, consciousness, and the natural ability to heal and balance bodily changes. As a woman and a mother of two girls, my mission has always been to empower other women to achieve health and wisdom throughout their life's journey. Ayurveda and herbalism are integrative fields of study, my passion, focusing on health promotion, not just treating illnesses but strengthening the foundation of the body from the ground up.
This website addresses various health topics for men and women, including the often-overlooked issue of Menopause.
Peri-Menopause and Menopause can bring about various physical and emotional changes affecting a woman's overall health, including skin health, energy levels, and mental drawbacks. Despite being a natural part of aging, Menopause does not imply women should give up on their health or feel isolated. Instead, women experiencing this critical life change should prioritize healthy habits such as regular exercise, a nutritious diet, staying hydrated, and being mentally strong regardless of age or life stage.
Let's discuss Menopause. This topic has been on my mind for a long time.
The Three Stages of Women's Life
What are Peri-Menopause, Menopause, and Post-Menopause?
In Greek terminology, Menopause - meno is the month, and pausia is stop or cessation. Menopause signifies the end of menstruation due to the loss of ovarian follicular activity resulting in reduced estrogen and progesterone levels. The woman permanently stops having menstrual periods, the production of ovaries as she reaches the stage of life called Menopause. Often called the change of life, this phase signals the end of a woman's ability to have children.
What is Peri-Menopause?
The onset of Peri-Menopause is typically characterized by irregular menstrual cycles and decreased menstrual flow, which occurs due to a decline in ovarian function. The levels of estrogen and progesterone, regulated by FSH (follicular stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone), also decrease, resulting in unpredictable ovulation and hormonal fluctuations. Although each woman's experience of early menopause may vary, common symptoms include hot flashes (attributed to low estrogen levels based on research), vaginal dryness, uterine bleeding, sleep disturbances, mood swings, short-term memory issues, and difficulty concentrating.
This phase of Menopause lasts approximately three to four years, a few months, or a decade. Some women experience severe to low hot flashes or fatigue due to heavy periods; some have no bothersome symptoms. While others may menstruate erratically for years, and for some periods, may end more or less abruptly. Fortunately, research and knowledge about reproductive aging have grown, and so have the treatment options; it's still distressing for some. Natural remedies are happier than any medical intervention if it's not debilitating in any way.
What is Menopause?
The cessation of menstrual periods, a natural biological process called Menopause, marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It usually occurs between 45 and 55 but can occur earlier or later, depending on hormonal changes, heredity, or an illness. During Menopause, a woman's body stops producing eggs; ovulation becomes irregular, and at the same time, the production of estrogen and progesterone lowers, and this notable drop in estrogen levels causes most of the symptoms of Menopause. We see various physical and emotional symptoms, severe or not so much, such as hot flashes or night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness being most prevalent. While Menopause is a normal part of life, it can be a challenging transition for many women. However, various treatments and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and support overall health and well-being.
What is Post-Menopause?
Post-Menopause is the last phase in a woman's life that follows Menopause. It's the time after a woman has gone 12 successive months without a menstrual cycle. During this stage, the body continues to adjust to the lower levels of estrogen and other hormones, and some women may continue to experience symptoms of hot flashes, hormonal shifts, fatigue, anxiety, binge eating, insomnia, and overall dry skin. However, many women find that their symptoms improve over time, and they can enjoy renewed health and vitality.
Once the women reach this stage, she is at more risk for osteoporosis and heart disease.
Why is Menopause a rarely discussed topic and often Misunderstood?
It's a fact that millions of women worldwide face Menopause annually. Yet, despite its widespread occurrence, it's unfortunate that the subject stays under wraps and is hardly ever spoken about openly. It's high time we have more candid and upfront discussions about Menopause to break the stigma and provide support to those experiencing it.
Many women are caught off guard by the changes that come with Menopause since rarely discussed, and there is much confusion and misunderstanding surrounding it. Also, the lack of understanding can make it difficult for women to seek the help they need, and some doctors might not have the training to provide the appropriate care. We must work to increase awareness and understanding of Menopause so that women can feel empowered to take control of their health and well-being.
Many companies have begun to research and bring greater awareness. We see many products in the market, such as hormonal therapy daily supplements, skin care products, vaginal dryness creams, hot flashes treatment patches, and hydration kits.
Some visible physical symptoms of Menopause:
Stiff and Tender joints
Soreness of the breast
Hair thinning and hair fall
The facial hair growth
Thinning, drying of the vaginal walls (Vaginal atrophy)
Increased frequency of urination
Night Sweats
Lowered sexual urge
Dry skin, hair, and nails lose their luster
Hot Flashes, extreme body heat
Anemia and Fatigue
With these physical changes, mental health fluctuates, and the hormonal imbalance causes the women to go through an emotional imbalance.
The Mental transitions, the mood swings in Menopause:
Memory loss and irritability
Anger and anxiety
Depression
Difficulty in engagement
Despair
Emotional flare-ups
Wakefulness
Binge eating
Let's embrace Menopause as a time of renewed positivity and freedom, bringing health and vitality to women's lives.
References:
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/ert
https://www.menopause.org/
Online Diet Consultation in Ayurvedic Abu Road. http://www.ayurtejayurvedic.com/diet-consultation/
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/perimenopause