NAvaratri.. Celebration of woman power. Part 5

Understanding Menstrual Cycle - Part 5 (Menopause)

                   Menopause is defined as natural cessation of monthly menstrual bleeding. It is generally confirmed by absence of menstruation for at least 12 consecutive months. This usually happens at the age of 40 to 59 years and the variation depends on Prakruti, habitat, ,lifestyle, heredity, food habits, stress levels etc. Normal function of ovaries slows down which causes deficiency of ovarian hormones. Ayurvedic texts have described this stat as Vaatprakopa. Symptoms of which are as follow

1. Cessation of menstruation naturally over 12 consecutive months
2. Pain in lumbar region (lower back)
3. Headaches
4. Tired feeling without any particular reason
5. Nausea
6. Perspiration
7. Occasional palpitations
8. Irregularities with hunger ( loss of appetite, loss of taste, nausea)
9. Pain in abdomen
10. Hot flushes
11. Tenderness in breasts
12. Mood swings
13. Feeling of grief
14. Negative attitude
15. Loss of confidence
16. Stress
17. vaginal dryness and itching (due to cessation of secretions from glands in vagina)
18. Experience of discomfort or pain during intercourse
19. Loss of libido
20. Loss of muscular tone of urinary bladder which leads to leakage of urine during coughing , sneezing
21. Urge of frequent micturation. (To pass urine)
22. Weight gain

               One or multiple of these symptoms may be experienced and their severity depends on factors like prakruti, lifestyle etc as mentioned earlier. One should not ignore these symptoms and start corrective measures as early as possible.. Ayurveda has described this phase as a Pitta-Vaat dominant hencevwe need to start a treatment which pacifies Pitta-Vaat.

1. regular exercise is a must. Moderate light  exercise is required to keep body fit  and flexible.
2. workout should be followed by Oil massage and type of oil should be chosen by specific prakruti
3. Pranayama and meditation is important for a peaceful mind
4. If anyone is still feeling any negativity or grieving thoughts then she can try to learn some creative forms or hobbies or social work to keep mind occupied.
5. ‘Empty Nest Syndrome’ is term used for parents who has lost urge of living after their children have left home in search of new horizons. They feel that there no aim for their living. Such people must know that aim of life is to live it fully and it must depend on your innerself.
6. If anyone is still feeling any form of depression then she can seek help of a counselor or medication.
7. Family support is very important during this transition. Women should talk freely with her husband, children, in laws and even grandchildren. family members should also be supportive. Proper communication is the key to all hurdles
8. Need of medication - menopausal symptoms can usually be managed by above mentioned advises but if thses symptoms are severe or if There are other symptoms like irregular bleeding, blood clots , breast tenderness or feeling of lump in breasts or mental depression, then it calls for medical advice.
9. Ayurvedic treatment for menopause involves counseling, panchkarma and medicines for severe cases.

                 It is very important to listen to these body signals and act according to our bodily needs. Menopause is not a disease, it is just a transitory phase so ladies wipe off that gloomy face and get ready to embark upon the second inning of your life. After all life is too short to grieve.

                                                     (The End)