June 18th, 2014
Menarche marks the beginning of fertility and healthy reproductive life. After menarche, every month a female goes through normal hormonal changes that may or may not lead to pregnancy. However, after a certain age, a woman may lose her ability to become pregnant even after successful and periodic intercourse. This transition is referred to as menopause and it usually occurs (in most women) by age 50- 55 years. In United States of America the average age for menopause is 51 years. Medically, menopause can be defined as “no menstruation for more than 12 consecutive months”
It is imperative to understand that just like menarche, menopause is also physiological. It may end the fertility period but you can live a normal life (both physically and sexually) after menopause. Due to transition in the secretion and metabolism of female hormones, you may develop certain disturbing sign and symptoms that may interfere with some day to day activities; but you can manage the symptoms easily with lifestyle modification and dietary changes.
Menstrual irregularities (8 Menstrual Cycle Facts and Myths) are fairly common in women who are in peri-menopausal age group (years preceding complete cessation of menstruation). Based on different factors, such as your diet, overall physical and sexual health and weight, some women may experience more severe menopausal symptoms.
Few most notable ones are:
In order to manage menopausal symptoms, it is very important to understand the pathophysiology of menopause:
Other causes are:
Menopause is a natural physiological process so it does not require any medications but in order to manage the disturbing symptoms and to alleviate complications (cardiovascular issues, osteoporosis, psychiatric issues and depression); several holistic and pharmacological therapies are available.
Certain natural remedies are also fairly effective at improving menopausal symptoms in females:
Vaginal discomfort: Use of lubricants (Lubricant & Sperm Quality Learn More) and vaginal moisturizers can relieve irritation and dryness and may also help in staying sexually active.
Sleep pattern: Getting sufficient amount of sleep and rest can minimize your risk of developing night sweats, hot flashes and sleeping disorders. Avoid caffeine and other CNS stimulants and other activates when you are about to sleep.
Relax: Adopt relaxation techniques to stay stress free (Yoga Sexual Benefits For Your Life) and healthy. Adoption of healthy lifestyle and exercise especially yoga may help a lot.
Eat healthy: Green vegetables and fresh fruits (Fruit And Veg Learn More) are good for skin. Include organic and chemicals-free ingredients in your balanced diet. Increase your intake of vitamin D foods. You can also initiate Vitamin D supplements after speaking to your healthcare provider. Likewise, consume multi-vitamins and other supplements as well
Quit smoking: Cardio vascular diseases, stroke, osteoporosis and cancer can be prevented or delayed by quitting smoking (Smoking Risks, It’s Time to Stop Smoking) as early as possible.
Staying fit: Staying in shape with yoga and regular exercise can help prevent cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis and other menopausal related condition.
Rocca, W. A., Grossardt, B. R., & Shuster, L. T. (2011). Oophorectomy, menopause, estrogen treatment, and cognitive aging: clinical evidence for a window of opportunity. Brain research, 1379, 188-198.
Hayes, L. P., Carroll, D. G., & Kelley, K. W. (2011). Use of gabapentin for the management of natural or surgical menopausal hot flashes. Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 45(3), 388-394.
Goodman, N. F., Cobin, R. H., Ginzburg, S. B., Katz, I. A., & Woode, D. E. (2011). American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists medical guidelines for clinical practice for the diagnosis and treatment of menopause. Endocrine practice, 17, 1-25.