Sexual Health
Menopause
About
In simple terms, menopause is when for consecutive 12 months you don’t get your menstrual period. It is not an illness. It is a natural occurrence and every woman goes through it. Though the age when a woman reaches menopause varies from woman to woman.
Menopause can last for several years and has 3 stages viz Perimenopause, Menopause, Postmenopause.
Symptoms
You may experience some or all of the below symptoms if you are transiting to menopause
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Very heavy or light bleeding during periods
- Weight gain
- Hair thinning
- Lack of sex drive
- Headaches
Causes
- Ovaries stop producing eggs and releasing them in the fallopian tubes
- Surgical removal of ovaries
- Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause ovaries to stop functioning temporarily or permanently
- Autoimmune disease
- Turner’s syndrome
Treatment
Menopause is a natural occurrence. The symptoms of menopause that interfere with your day-to-day life can be treated. You need to consult your gynaecologist for treatment, based on the symptoms faced.
- Hormone therapy - Supplemental estrogen and a makeshift/synthetic version of progesterone together help balance the body’s hormone levels.
- Topical hormone therapy– Estrogen gel, cream, or an insert in your vagina to help combat vaginal dryness.
- Medicines - Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) aid your body in using its estrogen to manage vaginal dryness and hot flashes.
- Vitamins for Osteoporosis – Intake of vitamin D supplements is great for the bones.
Lifestyle tips
- Include fresh fruits, whole grains, and vegetables in your daily diet
- Give up smoking
- Limit your alcohol intake
- Exercise daily for overall strength and also for the pelvic floor muscles
- Share your menopause experience amongst your peers
- Regular visits to the gynaecologist should be on your to-do list
