So you have recently realized that there will be no more periods from now on, and that the menopause has finally arrived. What next?
Early Symptoms of Menopause
• Breast tenderness
• Increased facial hair, hair loss from head and other parts of body
• Dry vagina
• Nigh sweats, not able to sleep during night
• Sudden bloating
• Disturbed bowels: indigestion, flatulence and gas pain
• Mental confusion and memory lapses
Health Issues
Menopausal women are at a higher risk of developing certain diseases and health conditions, which are:
• Osteoporosis: Estrogen is responsible for absorption of calcium and other minerals necessary for strong bones. Loss of estrogen after menopause affects the bone density, which leads to weaker bones. Hence, an increased risk of osteoporosis.
• Stroke: It has been found that menopausal women either sleep too less or over-sleep. Based on the research carried on 93,000 post-menopausal women by the American Heart Association, it was observed that such women had greater risk of stroke occurrence.
• Urinary Tract Problems: Changes in the urethra
causes an increased urge to frequently urinate. Therefore, post-menopausal women are advised by experts to avoid overfilling of the balder and cut-down their intake of common diuretics (like cold drinks, tea and coffee).
• Depression and Anxiety: Since ovaries are no more functional, the harmony between the mood-balancing hormones - progesterone, estrogen and testosterone- is disturbed. This may lead to irritable mood, depression and anxiety.
Effect on Sex Life
• Vagina dryness after menopause may cause painful intercourse. Spending more time on foreplay does solve the problem to an extent.
• Regular sexual intercourse increases flow of blood to vagina and this makes it more flexible.
• Also, lovemaking after menopause is stress-free due to lack of contraception worries.
Maintenance after Menopause
Here’s how to look after yourself after menopause sets in:
Regular Medical Check-ups
• Yearly examination of breasts, pelvic and rectum will help you be vigilant about any cancerous growth.
• Bone density screening must be done every two years.
• Likewise, cholesterol screening, blood glucose tests and stress tests must be done every 3 to 4 years.
Adjusting Diet and Exercise Routine
• A diet rich in calcium, vitamin D and antioxidants is very important to ensure optimal functioning of the hormones in the body. Dairy products, fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables must be included in daily meals.
• Women`s hourglass figure experiences changes during menopause due to hormones, and thus regular exercise is very important. Exercise, which may be in the form of gardening, long walks, house cleaning etc., will help reduce risk of stress, blood pressure, cholesterol and anxiety.
Menopause is just an end to the menstrual cycle and not to life. Many women have led healthier and happier lives for decades after their menopause. If they have, so can you.
Post new comment