Menopause 

Menopause refers to the natural cessation of menstruation, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 50. It is a part of the natural aging process, marking the end of fertility. Women should not overly concern themselves with this aging process or the loss of their beauty, as it is a natural transition.

Causes:

Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop producing eggs, leading to marked changes in hormonal levels, especially a decrease in estrogen.

When menopause occurs at the age of 45 or later, it is considered a normal part of the aging process. However, when it occurs before the age of 40, it is termed Premature Menopause.

Causes of Premature Menopause:

Hysterectomy, chemotherapy, premature ovarian failure, infections such as tuberculosis, mumps, and hyperthyroidism may cause premature menopause.

Perimenopause:

This is the period around the onset of menopause, often marked by various physical signs such as hot flushes and menstrual irregularities.

Symptoms of Menopause:

• Psychological: Mood swings, irritability, depression, negative thought processes, and anxiety.
• General: Fatigue, headache, increased pulse rate, increased heartbeats, disturbed sleep, hot flushes, night sweats, irregularities in menstrual cycle, breast tenderness, increased facial hair growth, and narrowing of arteries.
• Skeletal: Joint pain, muscle pain, backache, decreased bone density leading to osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures.
• Urogenital Atrophy: Dryness, watery discharge, urinary urgency, itching, and predisposition to urinary tract infections.
• Sexual: Painful intercourse, decreased libido.
• Skin Changes: Skin on the neck and face may become red, dryness, itching, tingling sensations, thinning, drying, loss of elasticity, and the development of wrinkles.

Postmenopausal Period:

This is the period that occurs after menopause. Risk factors during this period include osteoporosis, poor muscle tone, heart disease, and weak vision.

Herbs to Treat Menopause:

• Herbs containing phytoestrogens such as Shatavari and Yashtimadhu are advisable.
• A powder mixture of Withania somnifera (winter cherry) and Bacopa monnieri can help alleviate irritability.
• Nardostachys jatamansi (Jatamansi) helps relieve stress and anxiety associated with menopause.

Natural Home Remedies:

• Follow an appropriate diet and lifestyle modifications to promote postmenopausal health.
• Increase intake of soybeans, garlic, apples, pumpkin seeds, wheat, beetroot, cabbage, oats, and cucumber.
• Consume foods rich in vitamin E and raw sprouted seeds.
• Massage with aroma oils may alleviate emotional disturbances.
• Coconut water and sunflower seeds are beneficial.
• Ensure sufficient intake of calcium through milk products, cheese, and beans.
• Drink milk daily and consume foods containing vitamin D.
• Incorporate phytoestrogen-rich foods such as soy products, lima beans, and chickpeas into the diet.
• Exercise regularly with activities like jogging, walking, swimming, and cycling.

Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT):

• HRT should be assessed in individual women and not prescribed routinely.
• Perimenopausal women may benefit from cyclic HRT rather than continuous HRT.
• HRT is indicated for preventing osteoporosis in women with early menopause and treating osteoporosis in women in their early fifties with troublesome menopausal symptoms.
• Natural estrogens are preferred over synthetic ones due to fewer side effects.

If experiencing postmenopausal bleeding, consult a doctor immediately, as it could indicate serious health issues.

Consult with an Ayurvedic physician or doctor before trying any of the aforementioned remedies.