Menopause Herbal Remedies
Menopause is a gradual process in females that occurs when the function of the ovaries ceases. It is defined as absence of menstrual periods for a year. It does not occur overnight. Menopause may occur in early 30s or in the late 60s, but the average age of menopause is 40 years. It is the end of women's menstrual cycle and fertility.
Cause of Menopause
Estrogen and progesterone are the two hormones that ovaries make. These hormones control menstruation and ovulation. When the ovaries no longer able to release an egg every month, then menstruation stops, which in turn leads to menopause. It is the normal part of aging in females when it occurs after the age of 40.
Symptoms of Menopause
The common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, fatigue, stress, tiredness, abnormal vaginal bleeding, urinary and vaginal symptoms and changes in mood.
Complications of Menopause
Women may develop osteoporosis and heart disease after menopause. As metabolism slows down after menopause, so many women gain weight after menopause. Women may develop urinary tract infections after menopause.
Is Menopause a Disease?
No, menopause is not a disease. It is a natural biological process.
Effect of Exercise after Menopause
Exercise maintains overall health of the body by keeping a healthy weight, by making the heart stronger, and gives the feeling of well-being. Exercise has several benefits for post-menopausal women. Walking is the best exercise recommended for post-menopausal women. The benefits of exercise after menopause are listed below:
- Exercise helps in keeping bone and cartilage tissue strong enough and thereby reducing the chances of developing osteoporosis.
- Exercise increases the heart and respiratory rate and thereby reduces the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular disease.
- Exercise helps in prevention of arthritis by keeping the joints moving. It helps in keeping the muscles that surround the joints strong.
Ways to Prevent Post-Menopausal Symptoms
Exercise alone is not enough for managing the post-menopausal symptoms. To ensure proper health, women should have a calcium intake of at least 1500 mg daily in order to make her bones strong. Smoking and alcohol should be avoided. Fats and cholesterol intake should be limited in order to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Healthy weight according to height is must. Proper rest is essential during menopause.
Ayurvedic Approach to Menopause
According to Ayurveda, menopause is the result of transition from the Pitta phase to the Vata phase. If a woman is having Pitta or Vata imbalance before menopause, then things may get worse during menopause. Accumulation of ama (digestive impurities) is another reason for menopausal imbalances. Misuse or overuse of the mind, emotions and body also lead to imbalances in menopause.
Diet to Manage Menopause
Include more tofu and soy in your diet. Take calcium rich diet. More fruits such as strawberries, apples, tomatoes, pears, grapes, oranges, grapefruit and vegetables should be included in a diet. Beans should be included often. High fat and high sugar should be avoided. Spicy foods should not be included in your diet.
The information presented on this website is solely intended for educational purposes and should not be considered a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The statements and details on this site have not been assessed by the Food and Drug Administration. Our herbal products are entirely natural, pure, vegetarian, and efficacious. Individual results may differ, and it is advisable to consult with your healthcare professionals before using these products.