What is menopause? According to Dictionary the word menopause means a cessation in the cycle of menstruation which females undergo when they reach middle age. This word is derived from the Greek word ‘mens’ meaning monthly and pause mean to cease. Menopause indicates that a woman no longer ovulates and cannot produce children. This generally happens to women around the age of 45.
When a female attains puberty at 12 or 13 years of age she starts menstruating. This happens one fine day when you are totally unaware or unprepared for it. But menopause doesn’t stop like that over night. It takes more than a year to stop ovulating completely. Initially a woman menstruates irregularly. There are physical and psychological changes happening in her during this time. This is not a medical problem or an illness. This is a natural aging process in all the female species on earth.
The change in hormone levels during menopause affects different people in different ways. Some gain weight, mood swings, itchy skin, hot flushes, dry vagina, joint pains, and insomnia and so on. All these symptoms go away once the woman stops menstruating. Menopause affects people in many ways. Social, cultural and ethnic back ground plays a crucial role. Some scholars believe that North American culture of the youth not respecting elders may be a reason for difficult menopause transition.
Diet is another major contribution during menopause. Starchy and sugary food should be reduced. Spicy diet may also cause certain problems like water retention and blood pressure. Frequent urination is caused due to fluid retained in the body. Fresh fruits and vegetables can provide the necessary nutrients required during menopause. Avoiding alcohol during menopause is recommended. Hormonal imbalance is the major cause for menopause trauma. Estrogen is the hormone that causes mood swings, sleepless nights and can even cause osteoporosis in many women.
Menopause is a major upheaval in a woman’s life. Everyone wishes to lead a peace and quiet retired life after being busy rearing kids and saving for old age. Woman during menopause should consult a doctor regarding osteoporosis and other problems. Hormone therapy can alleviate some of the stress caused by menopause in women. This is a dreaded time for women as sleeplessness leads to exhaustion and fatigue. Taking a sleeping pill does not harm but it is better to consult your doctor before taking any medication.
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