Menopause

Overview

Menoapuse is a problem which occur only in women when their menstrual period stops to process.After a period of about 1 year without this process, women becomes unable to give birth.This problem is a big change in women life and usually it occurs at age 50 or more.However, every woman has its own timeline for this problem to occur.

Another process which leads to menopause is perimenopause.It happens before menopause and it has some symptoms like irregular periods.This happens in early ages of 30s-40s.

Menopause is not a part of illness or disease but it is a natural problem which occurs with older age.




















Causes

Due to some abnormal changes in the reproductive and hormonal system menopause occurs.Menopause begins naturally when your ovaries start making less estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate menstruation.In this your hormonal levels varies unevenly causing changes in your menstrual cycle.Your periods may become longer or shorter, heavier or lighter, and more or less frequent.



Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of menopause, however, often appear long before the completion of 1 year period.These includes:

1.Irregular periods
2.Hot flashes
3.Sleep disturbance
4.Vaginal dryness
5.Mood variations
6.Increased abdominal fat
7.Hairs become thin
8.Decreased fertility

When to seek medical advice

It's important to see your doctor during both perimenopause and menopause for preventive health care as well as care of medical conditions that may occur with aging.

Treatment

As menopause is a natural process, so it is not to be treated, but if it shows its symptoms then treatment should be done.These treatments are to relieve you from signs and symptoms.Treatments include:

Hormone therapy.
This is the most effective treatment for relieving menstrual hot flashes.Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend estrogen in the lowest dose needed to provide symptom relief for you.

Gabapentin (Neurontin).
This drug is approved to treat seizures, but it also has been shown to significantly reduce hot flashes.

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs).
SERMs are a group of drugs that includes raloxifene. Raloxifene recovers estrogen's beneficial effects on bone density in postmenopausal women, without some of the risks associated with estrogen.

Vaginal estrogen.
To relieve vaginal dryness, estrogen can be administered using a vaginal tablet, ring or cream. This treatment releases just a small amount of estrogen, which is absorbed by the vaginal tissue. It can help relieve vaginal dryness, discomfort with intercourse and some urinary symptoms.

Some other steps to remain healthy after menopause.

Eat a well balanced and healthy diet including fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and high-fiber eatables.

Practise regular exercise to keep your bones and heart strong.

Avoid alcohol, caffiene and stress.

Dont smoke.

Meditative breathing exercise (called paced respiration). Breathing exercises may help reduce hot flashes and emotional symptoms.


You may consult your doctor before taking any treatment.