Menopause- The New Change In A Woman’s Body

The average age of menopause is 47.5 years in Indian women with an average life expectancy of 71 years. However there are a number of factors that decide the age at which menopause occurs- socioeconomic status, number of pregnancies, oral contraceptive use , alcohol consumption ,age of menarche or date of last pregnancy. However when a woman experienced menopause the body is usually under a bit of stress and the result is a woman can feel more sensitive & under more pressure psychologically. You should not get worried as it’s a part of your life and change in your body. Few of the clinical manifestations are:

• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Insomnia
• Tiredness
• Dryness in the vagina causing pain during sexual activity
• Recurrent urinary problems
• Depression
• Loss of libido

As these manifestations can cause a little stress on you , your married life and social life, it is essential that you remain informed and consult a  Gynecologist or an Endocrinologist to get guidance on the same. Exercise, healthy lifestyle modifications and few Vitamin D and mineral supplements are recommended. This is essential as this is the time your body is formatting again. The process makes you more susceptible to lifestyle disorders – diabetes, obesity, heart disease and also impacts your bones.

Majority of the women post menopause complain of joint pains. A consultant’s advice and a dietician’s guidance on diet are important at this stage.

A medical way to ensure smooth transition is by opting for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). They ease the menopausal symptoms and can also control your risks of developing cancer. A doctor shall advice you a few tests to check your body composition and based on the same shall advice the type of HRT most suitable for you. Self medication in HRT is not recommended.  If you take HRT it replaces the oestrogen that your ovaries no longer make after the menopause.HRT is available as tablets, skin patches, gels, nasal spray or a vaginal ring. There are several brands for each of these types of HRT. All deliver a set dose of oestrogen into your bloodstream.

Hence if you at this stage, its imperative for you to consult your Gynecologist or Endocrinologist and understand your medical options to ensure your health is not compromised in the coming years.