What is Menopause?
Menopause describes the period in a woman¡¯s life when her ovarian function ceases to produce female
hormone and release eggs. It is also known as the five year period before and after pregnancy is no longer
possible. In one¡¯s mid to late forties, the ovaries slowly loses their function and the period begins to
fluctuate in frequency and amount of flow.
Why Do Menopausal Symptoms Occur?
Since the female hormone suddenly ceases in production, the body must adjust to this change
accordingly. Fortunately, if the body adjusts, then menopausal symptoms won¡¯t be obvious. Unfortunately,
if it cannot, then the disharmony of the central nervous system will produce menopausal symptoms. One
tenth of all women go through menopause without symptoms. Another one third have very few symptoms.
The remaining one fifth have severe symptoms which interfere with their every day life.
The Symptoms of Menopause
Sudden hot flushes which rise up to the face, head, and neck area. Heat may even spread throughout
the entire body. Palpitations with sweating may also occur. This can all happen within just seconds to
minutes.
Loss of Concentration and Memory
Symptoms such as forgetting others names, where they put things, and forgetting what they just said.
Depression is the Most Common Symptom of Menopause
During menopause, women often experience sadness, fluctuating and unsettled emotions. They may
easily get angry or fatigued, lose their ambition and self confidence, become nervous, & occasionally even
engaging in violence.
Urinary Bladder and Reproductive Organ Changes
Reduction of bodily excretions and dryness of the vaginal canal often occur. Vaginitis, leucorrhoea, and
itching may occur. Spotted urination may suddenly occur without prior warning. Due to weakening of
the pelvic girdle during menopause, women may experience uteral or urinary prolapse (sinking).
Difficulties with Sexual Intercourse
Loss of ovarian hormone production may result in painful intercourse and/or loss of libido. During
menopause the vaginal canal narrows and lubrication during intercourse is reduced. Atrophic vaginitis
(inflammation and weakness of the vagina) can also exasserbate pain. Naturally, lack of sexual desire and
frequency can occur as a result.
The Importance of Menopausal Care
Due to an increase of the average menopausal age, women now spend approximately 1/3 of their lives
post-menopause. Post menopausal life doesn¡®t have to be unpleasant. Actually, if spent wisely, it can be
an enhancement of the life one has lived. During menopause, the body goes through several major
changes. These changes can cause internal disharmony. Some symptoms associated with menopause
are¡¦
- Osteoporosis
- Hot Flashes
- Excess Weight Gain
- Heart Weakness
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Ovarian/Uteral/ Breast Cancer