Women’s health (including  Pri Menopause, Menopause, and Post Menopause)

Women’s Health (including Pri Menopause, Menopause, and Post Menopause)

Menopause represents the end of menstruation. This is the last major hormonal change a woman will face in her life. Technically it refers to the final period but it is not an abrupt event while a gradual process. It is complete when a woman has not had a period for a year. The years leading up to menopause are called peri menopause, and it is during this time the body, mind and emotions start to change.

Menopause typically begins in woman’s forties or fifties.  It starts due to a dramatic hormonal imbalance. Less estrogen and progesterone are produced by ovaries and eggs are released less often. The gradual decline of estrogen causes several changes in body including vagina, vulva, uterus, bladder, urethra, breasts, bones, heart, blood vessels, brain, skin, hair and mucous membranes. Over the long run lack of estrogen can make a woman more vulnerable to osteoporosis and heart disease.

Symptoms of menopause can vary in severity; many women notice no symptoms other than a gradual cessation of periods, while others can suffer from hot flushes, mood swings, depression, sleep disturbances and sexual difficulties to name a few.

There is no doubt that diet plays a huge role in how your body copes with this change. Plants contain phytoesterogens – they have estrogen mimicking properties which have balancing effect on falling hormones. Many herbs have properties that help in controlling symptoms like hot flushes and mood swings, they acts on pituitary gland to help regulate hormonal functions.

It is also important to stay active. It is well proven that regular physical activity can relieve stress, depression and can improve sleep.

Consider menopause as a natural part of life and as a time of great change, freedom and liberty from the roller coaster ride of the female hormones, and a chance to gain a new perspective and re –invent yourself.