Facts about Menopause

Menopause denotes a physical condition in women that usually happens between 45 to 55 years. If it takes place before a woman has reached her 40s it is termed as premature menopause. It signifies the last period of a woman and secretion of the female hormone called oestrogen also comes to a halt.

The ovaries of the woman also cease generating the eggs. These can lead to a series of mental and physical complications in the affected woman. In other words, menopause signifies the final and natural cessation of the female menstrual cycle.

Causes of Menopause

Menopause is mainly caused by the shutting down and faltering of the ovaries of a woman. The ovaries are essential components of the endocrine system of the female anatomy. The ovaries stop to function after reaching a certain age and this in turn drastically affects the reproductive capabilities of the woman. As a matter of fact, this has an impact on numerous aspects of her body and mind.

Apart from being caused by ageing, Menopause can also be triggered by surgical induction. In some case, a young woman may have to undergo hysterectomy which requires the removal of her ovaries and fallopian tubes.

This results in halting of the menstruation cycle prematurely and it is known as surgical menopause. However, it needs to be remembered that taking away the uterus does not bring menopause but taking out the ovaries induces it.

Apart from the natural process and surgical intervention, menopause can also be triggered by a number of external factors that affects the female anatomy deeply. The women who are addicted to smoking can face menopause earlier than usual.

Menopause Symptoms

The symptoms of this condition can vary from person to person. Some women face symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats. They can also suffer from occasional attacks of insomnia. Apart from that, such women may also feel a sensation of dryness in the vagina. Menopause not only affects the functioning of the female body but it impacts their mindset and behavior pattern as well.

The women under the siege of menopause periodically suffer from unpredictable mood swings and reduced concentration capability. Their sexual appetite also takes a nosedive since the female sex hormone’s flow becomes greatly diminished during this period. Even though the major symptoms of menopause are not permanent or very serious in nature, they can aggravate the likelihood of bone fractures and an ailment called osteoporosis.

Treatment of Menopause

It needs to be understood that Menopause is a natural procedure that takes place in every woman and hence it can not be stopped from happening. But the women undergoing the process need to practice some cautions to ensure that the symptoms of menopause do not lead to any complications later.

The doctors advise the women undergoing this condition to include certain foods in their diets that can help reducing the aggression of some of the symptoms. Some natural plant derived oestrogens can be taken by such women as a supplement with their regular food. Foods like soymilk, soy flour, tofu and beans need to be consumed by women undergoing menopause.

The diet of such women should include adequate amounts of Vitamin D, Calcium and Magnesium as these nutrients help to keep the bones in proper shape. Taking these nutrients will greatly reduce the chances of developing bone related ailments after menopause.

Apart from watching the diet, women should refrain from smoking tobacco and should practice weight exercises on a regular basis. However, the best thing that a woman can do to fight the symptoms and early onset of menopause is to opt for the HRT or hormone replacement therapy. In this therapy, a combination of female hormones is applied to the body of a woman.

They can be administered to make up for their loss in the woman’s body as well as to keep the ratio consistent. The HRT provides relief from the occurrences of hot flashes and counters osteoporosis effectively. However, these therapies can bring some side effects to a woman’s body and hence they must be applied after consultation with a hormone therapist.