Let’s talk the taboo: Menopause 

 

Words by Rosu Katwal

Reproductive health in general is stigmatized and menopause is no exception. Menopause is “The significant change” a transition phase that every woman must go through once in a lifetime. However, we live in a society where topic like menopause has been historically muted for years because society often tagged menopause as a sign of ageing and the loss of sexual vitality.

Understanding Menopause:

Menopause is a natural biological process defined by absence of menstrual period for consecutive 12 months. Menopause, typically occur in between ages 45 & 55, is a decline in naturally estrogen producing by ovaries. This hormonal shift brings about change in menstrual cycle, eventually leading to complete cessation of mensuration. The process is gradual and happens in three stages viz- perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause.

Perimenopause phase:

 It usually starts when women reach their 40s; 8-10 years before menopause when their ovaries gradually start producing less estrogen. Perimenopause lasts up until menopause, the point when ovaries stop releasing eggs. In last one-two years of menopause, the drop in estrogen accelerates that’s when people may experience menopause symptoms while still having menstrual cycle.

Menopause:

Complete cessation of menstrual cycle for 12 consecutive months in the age between 45 to 55 years is called menopause. At this stage, ovaries stops releasing eggs.

Post menopause:

This is the time of life after menopause. During this phage; menopausal symptoms may get better but as a result of low estrogen level, people in post-menopausal phase are at in risk of severe health conditions.

Symptoms of menopause:

• Hot flashes (sudden feeling of warmth that spreads over body)
• Night sweats and cold flashes
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Emotional changes (Irritability, mood swings, mild depression)
• Vaginal dryness & urinary urgency
• Irregular periods & worsening of PMS

 

Some people might also experience: 

• Palpitation
• Joint & muscle pain
• Changes in libido 
• Memory lapses 
• Weight gain  
• Hair loss

 

It is necessary to note that not everyone will have same symptoms,

• Change in hormone level cause these symptoms and its intensity can vary. 
• Symptoms can persist up-to 70 Years.

 

Can menopause be treated??

People may not need treatment of menopause but in some cases, we can treat the symptoms of menopause if it’s necessary.

It includes:

• Hormone therapy
• Non hormonal treatment

Hormonal Therapy:

During menopause, ovaries no longer synthesize estrogen and progesterone. So, hormone therapy can make up for low level of hormones.

Hormone therapy boost hormone level that can help to minimize the symptoms like hot flashes, skin and vaginal dryness. There are two types of hormone therapy.

• Estrogen therapy (ET)
• Estrogen Progesterone Therapy (EPT)

 

Non hormonal therapies:

Non hormonal treatment include changes in life style

 

For example:

• Changes in diet (consumption of nutritious food)
• Avoid smoking and drinking habit.
• Avoiding trigger to hot flashes.
• Joining support groups.
• Prescription medications if necessary.

 

Health risk associated with menopause.

There are several conditions that could be at higher risk after menopause. These risks mainly depends on family history, lifestyle, other factors or maybe idiopathic. 

 

Osteoporosis:

It is called brittle bone disease. Bone become more fragile and likely to fracture due to decrease in estrogen level. 

 

Coronary artery disease:

It is narrowing or blockage of arteries that supplies heart muscle. 

Loss of estrogen, decrease physical activity, smoking habit aids to this risks.

 

Other risks include:

1. a) Weight gain.
2. b) Mood disorders
3. c) Cognitive decline of memory
4. d) Urinary incontinence
5. e) Breast cancer.

 

We should do comprehensive approach to manage health risk like regular medical checkups, adopting healthy lifestyle, maintaining balanced diet, staying physically active and managing stress.

 

Conclusion:

Menopause is not merely the end of fertility but beginning of new chapter in woman’s life. By understanding changes, embracing healthy lifestyle choices and seeking professional guidance when needed, woman can navigate this transition with grace and resilience. Through education, support and self-care practices, menopause can be re-framed as a time of empowerment and renewal, allowing women to embrace their full potential and thrive beyond reproductive years.