Menopause

Menopause is a condition in which a woman stops menstruating and is no longer fertile. It generally happens in the age of 40's to 50's and is different for every woman .

Menopause is not a disease or a disorder per se, but it comes with its own set of challenges for every woman.

Why and how does menopause occur?

Menopause occurs when estrogen and progesterone ( female hormone s) start dropping. The ovaries of a woman slowly stop producing these hormones resulting in menopause. It is asign of the end of the fertility period of a woman.When a woman has not had menstruation for 12 months or more she is said to have got menopause.

Signs and Symptoms of menopause:

For most women the onset of menopause is gradual. The periods start becoming irregular, sometimes occuring every 10-15 days and sometimes once in 2 or 3 months. For a few women however menopausal may occur suddenly.

Although menopause is not a disease ,there are a number of signs and symptoms seen with menopause like:

- Hot flashes : usually starting on the face or neck region and either going upward or downward ,the woman starts sweating profusely and there is an increase in heart rate.The face may also turn red .

- Night sweats : Hot flashes that occur while sleeping.

- Decrease in libido.

- Dryness of vagina.

- Mood swings and irritability.

- Sudden weight gain or weight loss.

- Loss of sleep.

Treatment:

Treatment involves symptomatic relief to the menopausal woman 

- Wearing comfortable, loose fitting clothes.

- Comfortable ,quiet environment while sleeping.

- Yoga or meditation may help with weight issues, as well as controlling the mood swings.

- Creams or lotion to decrease dryness of vagina.

- Adjustment in room temperature while sleeping to avoid night sweats.

- Anti depressants can be taken if mood swings are too severe leading to depression and anxiety (after consulting with your doctor)