XII. MENOPAUSE
What is menopause?
Menopause is defined as absence of menstrual periods for 12 months. Menopause is the time in a woman's life when the function of the ovaries ceases.
At what age does a woman typically reach menopause?
Most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, but menopause may occur as earlier as the 30s or 40s or may not occur until a woman reaches her 60s.
What are the signs and symptoms of menopause?
It is important to remember that each woman's experience is highly individual. Some women may experience few or no symptoms of menopause, while others experience multiple physical and psychological symptoms. The extent and severity of symptoms varies significantly among women. Some of the signs and symptoms are discussed below:
Irregular vaginal bleeding: Menstrual periods (menses) may occur more frequently (meaning the cycle shortens in duration), or they may get farther and farther apart (meaning the cycle lengthens in duration) before stopping
Hot flashes and sweating: A hot flash is a feeling of warmth that spreads over the body and is often most pronounced in the head and chest A hot flash is sometimes associated with flushing and is sometimes followed by perspiration. Hot flashes usually last from 30 seconds to several minutes.
Dryness of the vagina walls
Burning sensation during passing of urine
Sleep disturbances
Weight gain
Mood changes: irritability, fatigue, diminishes memory.
Weakening of bones
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy in treatment of symptoms of menopause?
What are the risks associated with HRT?
Studies of women receiving combined hormone therapy with both estrogen and progesterone have shown that these women had an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and breast cancer when compared with women who did not receive HT. Later studies of women taking estrogen therapy alone showed that estrogen was associated with an increased risk for stroke (paralysis) and cancer of the uterus, but not for heart attack or breast cancer.
How does a doctor decide about providing HRT?
The decision about hormone therapy, therefore, is a very individual decision in which the patient and doctor must take into account the inherent risks and benefits of the treatment along with each woman's own medical history.
What are the other treatment options for menopause?
The other treatment options include: (i) Oral Contraceptive Pills (ii) Vaginal cream for local application (iii) Anti-depressants.
Does the risk of heart disease increase after menopause?
Yes, the risk of heart disease increases because of the decline in estrogen levels.
Why are post menopausal women susceptible to fracture?
Post menopausal women susceptible to fracture due to a condition known as osteoporosis due to weakening of bones. It is thus necessary to increase the intake of calcium in the diet as advised by a doctor.
What are the steps that can be taken at home to reduce the symptoms?
The following steps may be taken at home to reduce the symptoms:
Hot flashes: (i) Dress in light clothing (ii) Avoid hot beverages
Vaginal dryness: Try using vaginal lubricants like KY jelly
At least 8 hours sleep and relaxation.
Include a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains in the diet.
Do a light exercise for at least 30 minutes everyday.
Some women report that vitamin E supplements can provide relief from mild hot flashes. Is this true ?
Scientific studies are lacking to prove the effectiveness of vitamin E in relieving symptoms of menopause. Taking a dosage greater than 400 international units (IU) of vitamin E may not be safe, since some studies have suggested that greater dosages may be associated with cardiovascular disease risk.
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