Its all about understanding menopause!29-01-2010 |
Menopause is a general menstrual stage that occurs in the second half period of a female’s life. In scientific terms it is referred as the permanent cessation of reproductive fertility. Menopause is a change in the reproductive organ of human females.
In every woman’s life, menopause occurs when her reproductive cycle ends. It is generally noticed in their mid-forties. During this process the ovaries gradually ceases the production of natural sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are the basic ones for controlling the ovulation cycle and developing woman’s breast and uterus.
When females are undergoing through this stage of their life, they tend to face several problems. Most of them are generic but not to forget the rest which can become serious in the long run.
Some general irregularities include, skipped menstrual periods, lighter or heavier blood flow during menstrual cycle, blood flow with clots etc. These are some of the physical irregularities that can be observed by females undergoing the stage of menopause.
It is a process that takes place over the course of time. Menopause is genetically determined, hence, family history can answer the when a woman can expect to reach the stage of menopause. It diminishes the fertility of a woman; hence, it is more accurately understood as the transition from fertility to infertility. It is categorized as peri-menopause and pre-menopause. Peri-menopause occurs when ovaries cease the production of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. This change in the hormonal levels is a very gradual process.
Coming towards the symptoms, general symptoms include changes in menstrual periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, changes in mood, urinary problems, night sweats, irregular heartbeats, loss of libido, crashing fatigue, breast tenderness, hair loss etc. These are some symptoms that are not so serious. Some troublesome one’s include depression, insomnia, weight gain or loss, high blood pressure, memory or cognitive changes etc. These symptoms if ignored can result in some serious bodily disorders.
Menopause is primarily related to aging, hence there is a link between increased risks of heart diseases during the period of menopause. Prior to menopause a female body hormones provides protection to heart and other blood vessels. A reduction in the production of these hormones is observed while the period of menopause is on; this process in turn enhances the risk of getting triggered by heart diseases. After getting an idea about what menopause is? Let’s move ahead to check out some natural alternatives that can help in reducing the consequences or effects on other body parts.
Stopping the stage of menopause is not in our hands, we can only try to avoid the bothersome situations by becoming our kitchen rats. Experts recommend: A balanced diet is an important tool that can help to control or reduce the symptoms of menopause. Avoid consumption of foods that contain high amounts of caffeine similarly carbonated beverages that bubble with phosphorous. Excessive consumption of these items can increase the risk of bone erosion. Try to avoid or reduce the consumption of meat, beef, pork and chicken because these non-vegetarian food items contain increased amount of saturated fats which reduce the ability to metabolize estrogen. I know its difficult for females who are addicted to processed foods, but can’t help it. Try to go veggie!
Include food products like soy, oats, wheat, brown rice, tofu, almonds, cashews and fresh fruits and vegetables.
|