Menopause

The end of the child bearing years. It is a natural process of aging.

Changes during menopause:

• Ovaries produce less estrogen.
• There is a change in the menstrual cycle.
• Hot flashes/flushes: most frequent symptom. Small phases of red blushes of the skin which break out in sweat. These symptoms may last for years.
• Changes in the vagina: Burning and itching sensation is common. Vagina is drier, which can cause pain during sex.
• Frequent urination. Prone to incontinence.
• Rate of bone loss increases. This leads to thinning of bones (osteoporosis) resulting in risk of fractures.
• Estrogen protects against heart attacks. Loss of it during menopause increases risk of heart attacks.
• Emotional changes are quite frequent. Feeling nervous, irritable, very tired, or depressed is quite common. Sexual relations often become more enjoyable but dryness may make it more painful.
• Endometriosis may also be seen in some cases.

Alternative treatments:

• Hormone replacement therapy.
• Vitamin E is used to prevent hot flashes.
• Soybean is being studied as a good alternative for estrogen and menopausal symptoms.
• There are many herbs believed to help such as black cohash, false unicorn root, wild yam, hops, ginseng and domquai. All these herbs are not free of side effects and neither have been scientifically proven to be effective.

Note:

• Call your doctor if you have heavy bleeding or bleeding after sex.
• Some women have early menopause due to sudden loss of estrogen. Also, surgical removal of the ovaries may cause loss of estrogen. The effects can be drastic and may require the need to take hormones.

Compiled by: Indrajit Sinha; Last updated: 08.12.03