Hello Doctor, I am hitting my menopause soon and very worried about the consequences. I don’t know what to expect, what to do or not do. I am a bit anxious about all the changes that might occur. What is your advice on what I should or shouldn’t do? How do I go through my menopause happily? Annette, 46------------------------------------- Dear Annette,You are approaching a phase in life that comes with lots of changes for a woman, health wise, mentally and socially.Normally menopause is a period when the normal menstrual cycles of a woman cease to occur. This occurs due to changes in the level of hormones in the body. It is nature’s way of family planning. Just imagine how difficult a situation would be if a woman remained the same and went on to produce children after 50.Usually menopause occurs around 40 years or so, but exceptionally it may be early or later than this. The level of estrogen, (feminizing hormone) begins to decline gradually after the mid thirties (premenopausal phase). The menstrual cycle and flow pattern become irregular at this stage and continue till menopause is achieved. Technically speaking, menopause occurs when one has had no period for about a year. As the level of estrogens declines in a woman, she becomes more prone to develop heart diseases. The bones become soft resulting in pain in joints and making her more vulnerable to pathological fractures (fracture without any trauma) as age advances. Demand for calcium and iron is increased during this period. This, if not fulfilled, can aggravate osteoporosis and cause anemia resulting in weakness. A woman can experience hot flushes around the face, headaches, vague restlessness, e.t.c. during menopause. The lubrication of the vagina reduces due to lack of estrogens. This causes dryness, itching over the vagina and painful intercourse. Among the many false beliefs surrounding menopause is that it leads to visual troubles. It is not menopause but age that is responsible for reduced sharpness of vision. Around menopause, women tend to suffer from depression, lack of sleep and appetite. Sometimes an individual may indulge in overeating. Apart from hormonal changes, social changes are also responsible for depression at this stage. Mostly at this stage, the children grow wings and fly away, husbands have advanced in their jobs or business becoming busier and a woman is left feeling lonely, something known as the “empty nest syndrome”. The best way to counter menopause is to face it head on. A woman should understand it to be a normal phase of life. In no way does she become less of a lady after menopause. Taking a good nutritious balanced diet helps prevent anemia and osteoporosis. One should take up a hobby or job to keep occupied. This prevents depression and related problems. Absolute relaxation by means of yoga or meditation is also useful.Think of the positive side of menopause. No more worries of buying sanitary pads and watching out for bleeding while travelling or in the office. Dr. Rachna Pande
