Menopause Care
By: Tsou JinyeuTotal Views: 69, Word Count: 809,
Menopause is the permanent cessation of reproductive fertility that occurs as age increases. It means the end of monthly cycles in case of females. It is a transition period when:
- ovaries stop producing eggs
- body produces less estrogen
- less progesterone
- menstruation is less frequent
- menstruation stops
Causes of menopause
Menopause is natural and seen in adult females. When menopause is complete it is termed as post menopause.
- Fall in hormone level
- Surgical menopause
- Medical treatments
- Stress levels
Menopause symptoms
- Menstrual flow suddenly becomes irregular or stops
- Heart pounding and racing
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Skin flushing
- Insomnia
- Decrease in sex drive
- Forgetfulness
- Mood swings with irritability, depression and anxiety
- Urine leakage
- Vaginal dryness
- Painful intercourse
- Vaginal infections
- Joint aches and pains
Tests to confirm menopause
1. Blood and urine tests are done to measure the changes in hormone level. By this you may confirm your menopause.
2. Pelvic examinations may be done to check changes in the vaginal lining caused by declining estrogen level
3. Bone density test may also be required to screen the bone density
Menopause treatment
Hormonal treatment may be given in case of severe symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness or night sweats
Low doses of antidepressants to control mood swings
Menopause weight gain
You may gain a lot of weight during menopause. It will be gradual during perimenopause. Early menopause or surgical menopause causes a lot and rapid weight gain. It is more around abdomen and this is referred as apple shaped obesity. This happens as there is a direct impact of hormones on your diet.
Menopause age
The average age of menopause onset is 51 plus minus some years.
Some women may have menopause when they are 30. this may be due to hysterectomy, chemotherapy or other medical problems
Lifestyle changes during menopause
- Avoid caffeine, spicy food and alcoholic beverages
- Dress lightly, but in layers
- Eat foods containing soy
- Take adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D
- Kegels exercise to strengthen the walls of your vagina
- Try acupuncture
- Go in for relaxation techniques like yoga, tai chi and meditation
- Use lubricants after consulting your doctor
- Eat a well balanced diet with lot of vegetables and fruits
Prevention
- Menopause cannot be prevented, however it can be made easy and some pain can be reduced. You can also reduce your lifelong problems like osteoporosis and heart disease.
- Control blood pressure, cholesterol and other factors that may cause heart problems
- Stop smoking as it may cause early menopause
- Eat low fat foods
- Exercise regularly and maintain an active lifestyle
- Take calcium and vitamin supplements
- Take premenopausal counseling from your doctor
Menopause diet
You should focus on your diet for good health and to feel good during your menopause. Healthy diet minimizes other health risks that come along with menopause. You should opt for natural diets if possible.
- Eat regular amount of fiber
- Introduce a lot of soy food
- Avoid junk foods
- Increase intake of fruits and vegetables
- Drink a lot of water and other healthy fluids like fruit juices and soups
You should look out for menopause symptoms so that you can take menopause treatment. This article on menopause informs you about various aspects related to menopause.
About the Author
Dr Tsou Jinyeu is a well known gynecologist and has been in this field since 1995. His special interests are – genetic and birth defects, high risk obstetrics, lupus in pregnancy, premature labour, premature delivery, triplets and ultrasound diagnosis. He is graduated from the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. Nowdays he is working as a medical doctor at Elmhurst Loyola Center for Health.
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