Among the various health problems menopause is the one every women has to face in her life. Though it is a natural event its accompanying symptoms cause a setback in her health and mind. More than 75 percent of women complain of menopause blues. The average age of a women to attain menopause is 51 years. The medical definition of menopause is absence of menses at a stretch for 12 months. In some menstruation ceases abruptly and in some it slowly tapers off.
Some of the symptoms for this syndrome include hot flashes, vaginal thinning, loss of control over urination, insomnia, pain during intercourse, irritability and irregular menstruation. These symptoms vary from individuals to individual. Some times these symptoms surface quite earlier to menopause even at the age of 40 signalling it’s setting on at a later date. This is termed as “perimenopause”. Menopause also occurs soon on removal of ovaries and uterus of the reproductive system. This is known as “surgical menopause”.
Principle female hormones “Oestrogen” and “Progestorne” are produced by a pair of “ovaries” located on either side of the uterus. These hormones are crucial to maintain menstrual cycle and reproduction. Besides, they also help in a way to keep the level of cholesterol lower in blood thus serving as a barrier from cardic problems among the premenopause women.
This explanation why cardiac problems occur among women mostly only after 50 years of age. These hormones are also very essential for the growth of bones. Hence, among some menopause may result in “Oesteoporosis” an ailment caused by the low density of bone. This can be averted to some extent by taking food rich in calcium.
Female body system carries male horomones also. It is essential that there should be a balance between female and male hormones. Since menopause involves withdrawal of female hormones and consequent increase of male hormone among a few women this may cause excessive growth of facial hair resulting in an embarrassing and unfeminine condition.
Though it is beyond our reach to dispense altogether the onset of menopause still by rudent management its evil effects can be controlled. Avoidance of smoking, alcohol, spicy food, doing yoga, frequent intercourse to maintain the elasticity of vagina are some of the means by which we can minimize these effects. In some cases Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is adopted in which related female hormones are administered to the patient to offset their loss. Since it has hazardous side effects HRT has to be taken strictly under medical supervision.
Courtesy: Indian Express, Health Supplement, February 7 2006
