Navaratri.. Celebration of women power. Part 4

Article 4 - Premenopausal Stage.

                  Later phase of menstrual life is described as ‘Premenopausal Stage’. It is observed between 36 to 50 years of life. The rate of development of follicle and ovulation slows down but does not cease entirely during this phase. This causes irregularities with menstruation. This stage may vary from few months to few years depending on heredity, prakruti, stress, lifestyle.

               Symptoms of premenopausal state are  symptoms of menopausal stage but in mild form which include, Hot Flushes, mood swings, oedema due to fluid retention, spasmodic pain in lower abdomen and back(Lumbar region), cramps in legs,headache, weight gain or heavy feeling. It also causes irregularities with menstrual flow due to lack of functioning with ovaries which in turn is responsible for irregular ovulation. Due to this women may experience irregular shortening or delaying of menstrual cycle, lesser or heavier flow during cycle. Sometimes a cycle is missed abd the delay increases over the time. During this period, increase in severity of hot flushes at dawn or episodes of night sweat are observed. One need to consult a doctor if,

1. Menstrual flow is heavier than usual.
2. If there are heavy blood clots in the discharge.
3. Menstrual flow continues for longer duration.
4. Bleeding is spotted after intercourse.
5. Severe signs of premenopausal state, which have been described earlier.
6. If pregnancy occurs as ovaries are still functional.

Premenopausal stage is a transitional phase which actually gives signals about oncoming Menopausal stage. Vaat dosha is naturally vitiated during this stage. Hence one must try to understand her body signals, respect it and start some preventive care.