What is Menopause ?
Menopause literally means no menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. It signifies the end of your fertile period and reproductive life. Symptoms that we observe during this time are a natural part of aging due to changing female hormones, estrogen & progesterone.
a) NATURAL MENOPAUSE when oestrogen declines with age,
b) SURGICAL OR ARTIFICIAL MENOPAUSE happens after hysterectomy with or without removal of ovaries.
c) PREMATURE MENOPAUSE is when periods stop before age 40
d) EARLY MENOPAUSE is when periods stop before 45 years
e) PERIMENOPAUSE is your time before menopause (between 4 to 10 years) and
f) POSTMENOPAUSE is time after menopause till you live
Menopause brings with it both psychological and physical symptoms. They happen due to drop in estrogen levels & hormonal fluctuations. We can also classify symptoms into early, intermediate and late.
a) EARLY SYMPTOMS of menopause can be hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, irritability and menstrual irregularities
b) INTERMEDIATE SYMPTOMS of menopause includes feeling sad, anxious, exhausted, skin changes, dyspareunia and incontinence
c) LATE SYMPTOMSof menopause are related to coronary artery disease, bone loss and risk of fractures, forgetfulness etc
How can we help you in menopausal journey?
We as Gynecologists help a menopausal woman in several ways:
1. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): to alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
2. Management of Menopausal Symptoms: such as sleep disturbances, urinary problems, and sexual dysfunction.
3. Bone Health: We can recommend supplements or medications to prevent osteoporosis, which becomes a concern after menopause.
4. Screening for Health Risks: like breast cancer, cervical cancer, and heart disease, which may become more prominent during menopause.
5. Counseling and Support: We can offer emotional support and guidance to help women navigate the physical and emotional changes associated with menopause.
6. Lifestyle Recommendations: such as diet modifications, exercise routines, and stress management techniques to promote overall well-being during menopause.The average age of menopause in Indian women is around 46.2 years as compared to 51 years in the west.
{What is important is support of family and friends, regular exercise, lifestyle changes but at the same time taking some supplements that could boost mental and physical health in forties help in a good transition from perimenopause to menopause. Such symptoms can start in the forties (perimenopause) and continue till actually menopause happens. Mental health problems vary from mild to as severe as a panic attack, or acute depression that may require professional help. Work life balance can get disturbed, there may be lack of motivation at work or feeling of isolation etc.)
How do we manage menopause symptoms or increase your coping abilities?
As a gynecologists specializing in menopause Dr. Nupurgupta and her team counsel regarding natural and home remedies; even dietary supplements (nutraceuticals)that may help in many ways. We know that the troublesome symptoms of menopause are due to deficiency of estrogen but menopausal hormone therapy can Supporting women during severe symptoms, especially related to menstrual cycles or menopause. The preferred first line management therefore includes plant-based foods or supplements rich in phytoestrogens that help raise estrogen in your bodies. Current research shows reduced frequency and intensity of hot flashes, good sleep and good bone health. Soy isoflavone is also a planet based phytoestrogen that can be taken in diet or as
supplements. Natural sources include black cohosh, broccoli, carrots, chasteberry, evening primrose, orange, tofu, soya milk etc.
Other natural ways include maintaining an optimum weight, regular exercise, calcium & vitamin D rich foods, adequate water and reduced sugar intake explains Menopause Dr. Nupur Gupta,
Thus, the best way to deal with menopausal symptoms as first line therapy is non hormonal daily nutritional supplements for fitness in forties and beyond.