Gynecology (menopause)
Menopause
What is menopause?
Menopause is a natural part of a woman’s aging process and the last menstrual period officially begins 12 months later. Most women reach menopause in their early 50s.
What causes menopause?
As a woman ages, her body’s production of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone decreases. The pre-menopausal seasons, called perimenopause, may become irregular and the time between these periods may increase or decrease. Perimenopause usually occurs between two and eight years before menopause.
What are the symptoms of perimenopause?
Although two-thirds of women experience some of the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, only 20% consider it a symptom that is embarrassing enough to see a doctor about.
Symptoms may include:
- Heating and night sweats (most women less than five years old)
- Dryness, itching and / or irritation in the vagina
- Decreased urination or some leakage of urine
- Sensitivity to breast milk (declining after menopause)
- Psychological changes such as anxiety, frustration or depression
- Chronic consequences of menopausal female hormone depletion
- Osteoporosis (brittle bones)
- Increased risk of heart disease
- More research is needed to reduce the effect of estrogen on the risk of colon cancer
- Alzheimer’s disease, skin aging, cataract formation and arthritis
Controlling the symptoms of menopause
Hot flashes
Hot flashes and night sweats can be very embarrassing for some women. The most effective treatment for hot flashes is estrogen replacement, which reduces the discomfort by up to 90%. Estrogen replacement is available in tablet, patch or gel form. For women who do not or do not like taking estrogen supplements even for a short period of time, additional options are available.
Clonidine is a non-hormonal drug that reduces hot flashes, which takes 2 to 3 weeks to take effect, but can reduce the incidence of hot flashes by up to 85%. It is an herbal medicine found in German studies, and the herbal remedies estrogen such as dong quai, ginseng and evening primrose oil have not been shown to be beneficial in relieving hot flashes; Soy urinary incontinence requires further study to determine the value of phytoestrogens. Your doctor may diagnose urinary incontinence by prescribing medications such as oxybutynin, tolterodine or imipramine.
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Recurrent urinary tract infections during menopause can be reduced with the use of a vaginal estrogen cream. Another approach is the use of a low-dose antibiotic once a day for 3 to 6 months or a single dose after intercourse, for recurrent post-coital infections (after intercourse).
Vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness can lead to painful intercourse and some decreased sexual desire in postmenopausal women. Vaginal application of estrogen cream can correct the problem by using other types of estrogen replacement therapy to replace estrogen.
Osteoporosis
Lack of estrogen is directly linked to the development of osteoporosis during menopause and menopause. If a woman has low estrogen, her bone density will be low
Healthy living in perimenopause and menopause
The Indian Food Guide recommends plant-based foods that are low in saturated and trans fatty acids (i.e. animal fat and junk foods), and high in fiber by consuming 6-8 glasses of water daily. Women suffering from medical conditions should consult a dietitian for specific advice.
If you are over 50, take a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU daily.
Exercising regularly can reduce your risk of cholesterol levels, weight gain, heart disease, diabetes and breast cancer.
Smoking increases the rate of estrogen breakdown, further worsening the symptoms of menopause.
Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake can help with menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and insomnia.
Changes in lifestyle
Middle age provides the right opportunity to bring about a change in lifestyle. Implementing these changes can promote healthy aging and help alleviate some of the problematic symptoms of menopause:
- Regular exercise (both aerobic and weights)
- Quitting smoking
- Eating a healthy diet
- Alcohol
- Relaxation and stress relieving techniques
Omni Giggles, Vizag has experienced professionals on menopausal and postmenopausal women’s health. Our goal is to bring about a transition in the health of postmenopausal and postmenopausal women.