Menopause

Introduction
Menopause is defined as the cessation of menstruation in the human female. It is the transition period in a woman's life when the ovaries stop producing eggs, menstrual activity decreases and eventually ceases, and the body reduces the production of the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Also known as the ‘Change of life’, Menopause is referred to as the last stage of gradual biological process.

It is categorized as natural, induced and temporary menopause. Generally natural menopause occurs at the age of 50, but just as the beginning of menstruation in adolescence, its timing may vary from person to person and is confirmed when a woman had been without periods for a year or so.

Induced or surgical menopause is experienced as a result of some surgical intervention in which the ovaries are removed or damaged. In this case there is no intermediary period or pre menopause, and thus menopause begins immediately.

The third type of menopause known as the temporary or stress menopause occurs to women in their late 30’s or above, when menstruation disappears for a long period of time. There are several factors such as stress, chemotherapy, grief, illness, bulimia, anemia, or excessive exercises which could be regarded as the cause of temporary menopause.

While the women are in their reproductive years, the pituitary gland in their mind releases hormones that cause an egg to grow from its follicle each month. The follicle in reply increases its production of sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which makes the lining of the uterus thick. This supplemented lining is then all set to receive and nourish the fertilized eggs. If this does not happen, the lining of the uterus breaks down giving way to menstruation.

The growing age of a woman affects this procedure in several stages. Around mid thirties, the generation of the estrogen and progesterone in the ovaries decreases. Then in the late forties the process speeds up with greater fluctuation of the hormones which cause irregular menstrual cycle. Early or mid-fifties marks the ending of this period altogether. However it does not completely stop the production of estrogen.

Non estrogenic material produced by the adrenal glands is converted to estrogen, and once in a while this will cause post-menopausal bleeding. This is usually nothing to worry about, but since postmenopausal bleeding could also be an indication of some other serious problems so it should always be checked with the doctor.

Menopause is a new phase in women’s life and it is certain to bring about some other changes as well influencing both the physical and mental side of the body. However their severity and frequency varies from woman to woman. Hot Flashes, Mood swings and Vaginal Dryness are the most prominent among all the symptoms.

As far as the dietary suggestions are concerned, a diet rich in dairy products, sugar, fatty greasy food, red meat, coffee and tea are highly prohibited. Whole grain, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almond, fresh vegetables and fruits, garlic, bean and whole grain pastas are a must inclusion. Soybean brings estrogenic property to food, so make food based on it. Alcohol and caffeine are simply injurious since they can worsen the nicotine level.

Women experiencing menopause are advised to meditate and do relaxation exercises, to help combat mood shifts. Regular sexual intercourse is the key to avoiding vaginal dryness. Increased intake of water and use of light cotton clothing help in reducing hot flashes.

All the women who ask for preventions of menopause should keep this in mind that it only signals to your next phase in life so don’t be afraid of it. Menopause is not a tragic end to your youth and sexuality but a natural transaction.porttw.mobi/ngg>adwne

Causes
While the women are in their reproductive years, the pituitary gland in their mind releases hormones that cause an egg to grow from its follicle each month. The follicle in reply increases its production of sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which makes the lining of the uterus thick. This supplemented lining is then all set to receive and nourish the fertilized egg. If this does not happen, the lining of the uterus breaks down giving way to menstruation. The growing age of a woman affects this procedure in several stages. Around mid thirties, the generation of the estrogen and progesterone in the ovaries decreases for the reasons unknown. Then in the late forties the process speeds up with greater fluctuation of the hormones which causes irregular menstrual cycle. Early or mid-fifties mark the ending of this period altogether. However it does not completely stops the production of estrogen. Now the non estrogenic material produced by the adrenal gland is used and converted to estrogen, which might cause post-menstrual bleeding once in a blue moon. There is not really any big threat from this sort of a bleeding but since it might be an indication to some serious problem so it must always be checked with the doctor. None estrogenic material produced by the adrenal glands is converted to estrogen, and once in a while this will cause post-menopausal bleeding.

Risk Factors

Women, when in their 50’s.
Women in 30’s when under extreme stress.
Women with damaged or removed ovaries.

Symptoms & Signs

Achy joints
Difficulty in concentrating
Headaches
Hot flashes
Insomnia
Early wakening
Mood changes
Night sweats
Conditions commonly associated with PMS
Changes in sexual desire
Extreme sweating
Frequent urination
Vaginal dryness

Menopause is a phase of change in women’s life and it is certain to bring about some other changes as well marking both the physical and mental side of the body. However their severity and frequency varies from woman to woman. Above cited are some of the common symptoms among all. Hot Flashes, Mood swings and Vaginal Dryness are the most prominent among all. Hot flashes:The most common of all occurs in almost 60% of the women. It is characterized by sudden explosions or mild waves of upper body heat waves lasting from 30 seconds to 5 minutes, as result of increased blood flow in the blood vessels of the face, neck, chest and upper back. It is usually followed by profuse sweating and then cold shivering, since the body temperature readjust. Women with hot flushes are said to be weighing less than woman who do not have hot flashes. Mood swings: Menopause is often characteristic of mood changes in almost all women. Hot flashes resulting in lack of sleep or general stressful life of women during 40’s or 50’s are also considered as a reason behind these mood swings. However so long the real truth remains hidden; these changes in moods are considered as one of the symptoms of Menopause. Vaginal dryness: Estrogen plays a significant role in maintaining the function of a woman’s vagina and surrounding tissues, uterus, urinary bladder and urethra that might deteriorate due to low estrogen level. Menopause might cause tissues of the vaginal wall to become drier, thinner and less elastic thus simply resulting in vaginal dryness. Although it may continue to occur overtime after menopause, but seldom leads to any serious problem. This could be avoided through sexual intercourse which help in keeping the vagina moist and toned.

Diagnosis
It is diagnosed when a woman does not have normal menstruation for a continuous period of around 12 months. Menopause in the women who are in their 40’s or 50’s is easily detectable. However in young women, women with unusual symptoms or women with a history of hysterectomy, there is an entire procedure including medical tests. This blood test includes a measurement of circulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. With the reduction in the ovaries’ capability of producing estrogen, the pituitary gland increases its production of other hormones called gonadotropin. This hormone stimulates the ovary to work better. FSH is one stimulating hormone. Menopause is generally diagnosed, if in a woman FSH blood level rises above 30 to 40 MIU/ml. Estrogens may also be measured, but an appropriate diagnosis of Menopause becomes difficult by measuring Estrogen alone.

Prevention
It is something which is natural and expected to be essential in a woman’s development thus does not need to be prevented.

Treatment
In addition to proper therapies you could even handle the changes which are a part and parcel of Menopause, very tactfully only by some following tips: Home treatment In order to avoid Hot flushes

Keep the surroundings cool.
Wear loose outfits with layers that could be removed if necessary.
Take plenty of water and juices, whereas avoid caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods.
Exercise regularly for stabilized hormones and to prevent insomnia
Avoid confined spaces and hot, humid weather, if possible.

For Vaginal dryness:

Use water-based vaginal lubricants, such as K-Y Jelly, can be used immediately before sexual intercourse to supply moisture.
a warm bath before intercourse may also help
Regular sexual activity can help to improve natural lubrication, and keep the vagina moist and toned.

Mood changes could be avoided or at least reduced by discussions with another woman or if to higher degree, than a therapist would do better. Exercises are very important since they help in controlling weight, sleeplessness and giving strength. Weight bearing exercises, such as walking, works as a useful tool in preventing osteoporosis. Medication Since Menopause deals with the changes in the hormones; it is treated through their replacement. The most remarkable of all its treatments is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). It involves taking replacement estrogen and progestin, which helps in relieving short –term symptoms as well as reducing the risk of long-term diseases welcomed by menopause. There are both positives and negatives of this therapy, varying from women to women. Thus the decision to take hormones must be based on full intelligence. In addition to HRT there are some other hormonal treatments as well. The hormone testosterone is usually prescribed by the doctors to prevent the negative affect of Menopause on sex drive. The third option of prescription drugs is also available to help both the short-term and long-term Menopause changes.

Primary Natural Supplements

Black Cohosh Extract, Menopause Multiple, Hot Flash and Ginseng by Sources natural, Inc.
Black Cohosh by Herb Pharm.
Vitex (Chaste Berry) Extract and Menochange by Planetary Formulas.
Doctor’s Choice for Women by Enzymatic Therapy.

Dietary Guidelines

Heavy meals welcome hot flashes and so do rich dairy products, sugar, fatty greasy food, red meat, coffee, tea; so it is better to avoid them.
Consume as much raw food as possible.
Whole grain, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almond, fresh vegetables and fruits, garlic, bean and whole grain pastas are a must inclusion.
Soybean brings estrogenic property to food, so eat food based on it.
Alcohol and caffeine are simply injurious since they can worsen the nicotine level.

Home Care Suggestions

Relax yourself and your body with yoga and breathing exercises to combat mood swifts.
Take in as much water as you can and fill your wardrobe with light cotton dresses.
Smoking when combined with hormone replacement therapy can increase the risk of stroke, high blood pressure and heart disease, so the bottom line is that do not smoke if you love yourself.
Regular sexual intercourse discourages both vaginal dryness and hot flashes.
Knowing that someone shares the same condition is the best medication of all so discuss with other women

Menopause is not a tragic end to your youth and sexuality but a natural transaction. Try viewing it that way.

Mind/Body Considerations
Menopause is marked by several fears and a time of emotional problems. It aggravates depression, frustrations and anger. As far as the physical part is concerned weight gain is the most remarkable of all traits. Over the years many a myths have been associated with Menopause such as that it marks the end of physical activity, and that it accelerates aging etc. But as already mentioned they are only but myths.

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