Menopause is an important phase in women’s life when her ovarian functions come to a pause before the end of her natural life span. It also signifies the end of a fertile phase in women’s life. The word “menopause” means the “end of monthly cycles” from the Greek words pausis (cessation) and the word  men has been derived   from mensis meaning (month), so cessation of a monthly cycle is menopause. In human females, menopause usually happens near midlife that is when she reaches in her forties  and her periods start ceasing.

Signs and Symptoms

During the menopause transition years, as the body responds to the rapidly fluctuating levels of hormones, a number of symptoms may appear. Not every woman experiences bothersome levels of these signs; the range of effects and the degree to which they appear is very variable from person to person.

Vascular Changes Such As:

1.     Hot flashes and mood changes. Also includes night sweats.

2.     Headache, vertigo and nausea possibly migraine

3.     Gastric problems like acidity and nausea.

4.     A state of depression and anxiety resulting from high blood pressure.

5.     Overweight

6.     Rapid heartbeats. These are the general effects on an average from which almost every women suffer. There are some effects on her reproductive system also which changes her life such as:

1.     Bulky Uterus: Resulting in over bleeding in premenopausal phase.

2.     Uterine Fibroids: Small outgrowths in uterus disturbing the monthly flow.

3.     Ovarian cysts: Multiple tiny growing cysts can also occur in ovaries. They also result in excessive bleeding.

4.    Vaginal Atrophy: Thinning of the membranes of the vulva, the vagina, the cervix, and also the outer urinary tract, along with considerable shrinking and loss in elasticity of all of the outer and inner genital areas resulting in Itching Dryness Bleeding Watery discharge Urinary frequency Urinary incontinence Urinary urgency Increased infection, for example vaginal and urinary tract infections

5.   Uterus Prolapse: It is descent of uterus from its normal position resulting in frequent urination and uncontrolled urine pressures. Some women also suffer from skeletal changes like lower back pain, muscle pain, osteopenia whereas some starts facing sexual problems such as painful intercourse, Problems reaching orgasm and vaginal dryness.

Care At Home

1.    Many women feel that regular aerobic exercise can help reduce hot flashes. Foods that may trigger hot flashes, such as spicy foods, caffeine should be avoided.

2.    A low-fat, low-cholesterol diet helps to reduce the risk of heart disease.

3.    Regular exercise is helpful in controlling weight.

4.    Adequate calcium intake and weight-bearing exercise are important.