Menopause literally means “end of monthly periods or menstruation”. It signals the end of the fertile phase of a woman’s life. It is not a disease not an illness.

The average age of Menopause onset is 48-51 years, but Menopause may occur as early as the 40s or as late as the 60s. There is no reliable test to predict when a woman will experience menopause.

Symptoms of Menopause can include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding, hot flashes, vaginal & urinary symptoms mood changes, hair loss, loss of breast size, disturbed sleep, night sweats & vaginal dryness.
• Complications that women may develop after Menopause include Osteoporosis & Heart disease.
• Menopause, hence is a normal part of life & not a disease that requires treatment. However, treatment of associated symptoms is possible if these become substantial or severe.

Treatment options for menopause are:

Hormone Replacement Therapy [HRT].

• Low dose antidepressants or medical therapies.
• Life style factors are also helpful in controlling the symptoms & complications of Menopause.
• Regular exercise can help protect against Cardiovascular disease as well as Osteoporosis and exercise also has proven mental health benefits. Proper nutrition will also reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Osteoporosis can be prevented by proper Calcium and Vitamin D supplements.

Article By:

Dr. Sangita Jain WOMEN CARE EXPERT WHM Hospital [A Unit of Mewar Hospital Pvt Ltd]