Menopause is that time of a woman’s life when the female hormone levels drop due to the aging process affecting the ovaries. It usually occurs around 50 years of age. As a result the estrogen and progesterone hormone levels drop and the menstrual periods eventually stop. Low levels of estrogen and progesterone in the blood send messages to a gland in the brain- the Pituitary gland- and it responds by secreting more of the hormones that stimulate the ovaries- the follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and the luteinizing hormone (LH).
Menopause can also also result from surgical removal or operations on the ovaries for any reason.
The Term premature menopause is used if it occurs before the age of 40 years.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Some women are lucky to have no symptoms at all. But most will face some symptoms like
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Insomnia or Sleeplessness, forgetfulness
- Hair fall, vaginal dryness, loss of sexual desire- libido
- Lethargy, feeling low both physically and mentally, fatigue
Triggers for Hot flashes (vasomotor symptoms)
Heat and hot weather, Spicy food, smoking, caffeine, drinking alcohol, stress, type of clothing- better wear multiple layers to ward off the cold instead of synthetic materials or heavy clothing, tight clothing.
So you would do well to avoid the triggers- quit smoking, dress in layers, create a cool bedroom- Cotton sheets and clothing let your skin breathe, have a glass of water on the night stand beside you. Maintain a healthy weight with a healthy diet, eat the right food- include Beans, Chickpeas, Flaxseed, Fruit, Grain, Lentils, Soybeans, Vegetables.
Regular exercise not only helps with your hot flashes, it helps you keep a steady weight and the endorphins secreted can actually lift your mood.
If nothing seems to help talk to your doctor, and she may prescribe you necessary medications.
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