A healthy diet and lifestyle can help you effectively deal with menopause symptoms
A recent survey showed that a surprising number of women globally never discuss their menopausal symptoms with their health care provider!! The most common symptoms of menopause: hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
Hence Since 2009, the International Menopause Society (IMS), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has designated October as World Menopause Awareness Month, with October 18 celebrated as World Menopause Awareness Day. ”The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving health and well-being,Taking this initiative forward Ankura Hospital, a super specialty Hospital chain dedicated to Women and Children in the state of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with 11 Centers has organised a talk show on Menopause to create more awareness on the subject.
Opening the talk show Dr Lakshmi Rathna Joint Secretary of Indian Menoupaussal society & Gynecologist at Ankura Hospitals said “ We want to create awareness in middle age group women about the menopausal issues which at times can not be explained to the family members of their own. Mid-life period of women is trapped and surrounded by many responsibilities in and out of the house and menopause and peri-menopausal is an important phase of life which sometimes becomes miserable. A women’s health above 50 years reflect how active and healthy her lifestyle around 35 years of age. So we have to create awareness what are these menopausal issues and how to sort it out well in advance to the onset of the menopausal. Among the several issues Menopausal Bone Health is an important aspect and this year theme is on bone health so we would like to tell our women, “BONE FRIENDLY LIFESTYLE”.
“ This awareness programme also touch upon issues with regard to bone health & risk of bone fracture besides importance of calcium and vitamin D are in our lives” she further added.
Dr Ambuja President Indian Menopausal Society along with Dr Lakshmi Rathna shared the following important points to raise awareness on menopause issues
How to detect menopause?
Menopause can be detected through a blood test. If the results show the level of Follicle Stimulating Hormone to be higher than 20, menopause has occurred.
When can one expect it?
Usually, women in the age group 41-53 years face menopause. However, today the age cap seems to be increasing with a better lifestyle
What are the early symptoms of menopause?
Menopause is characterized by a deficiency in a hormone called estrogen. The change in hormonal levels affects the thermoregulatory system situated in the brain. The system goes haywire and the body temperature starts fluctuating often. Hence, women going through menopause often face hot flashes. Fluctuations in other hormones cause mood swings. The condition also witnesses maldistribution of fat that leads to obesity around the belly. Lack of collagen and estrogen can also lead to sagging of the uterus or leakage of urine with the slightest of triggers.
What are some delayed effects of menopause?
The delayed effects of menopause can become as dangerous as Alzheimer’s disease. Menopause can also lead to cardiovascular complications and bone loss or osteoporosis. However, Indian cuisine, which is rich in turmeric and asafoetida, often helps to reduce these problems as compared to Western countries.
What are the cosmetic effects of menopause?
Wrinkle and sagging of skin are the usually visible effects. These can be treated through facial exercises or yoga, a good diet, antioxidants, cosmetologists’ opinions. Pilates is needed for core strengthening. Exposure to sunlight and calcium supplements are also important.
How to treat it?
The treatment depends on the symptoms showcased by every individual. To deal with hormonal levels, hormone mimetic drugs can be used that mimic estrogen but do not harm the uterus or breasts and are non-cancerous.
What is premature menopause?
When menopause occurs before 40 years of age, it is called premature. It is due to premature ovarian failure. Some of the women have it in their teens. This can be due to lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol, substance, sleep deprivation. Surgical history on the ovaries can also be a reason. This may also be genetic. However, hysterectomy doe not cause premature menopause
