Menopause

​Symptoms

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• Mood changes, depression, irritability, fatigue, and anxiety.

• Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine.

• Night sweats, happened typically during sleep, along with hot flashes.

• Insomnia, having trouble falling asleep.

• Vaginal dryness this lead to a decline in sexual function.

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Causes

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Menopause starts when ovaries age and produce less:

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• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH).

• Luteinizing Hormone (LH).

• Estrogen.

• Testosterone.

• Progesterone.

• Injury or medical removal of ovaries.

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Most women start the menopausal phase between 40 to 50 years of age.

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Risk Factors

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Menopause is part of the aging process and cannot be avoided. However, you can influence when you begin to feel the symptoms.

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• Alcohol consumption increases the chances of starting an early premenopausal phase.

• Smoking pushes your timeline two to four years for an early menopause.

• Regular caffeine intake makes you age faster.

• Lousy diet habits, eating high-fat foods.

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If you have already entered the menopausal phase, the risk of contracting the following diseases increases:

 

• Cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure.

• Urinary incontinence, dysfunction of the vagina, and urethra elasticity.

• Urinary tract infections.

• Osteoporosis: loss of bone density.

• Decrease in sexual activity and libido.

• Weight gain: Most women gain weight when entering the menopausal phase.

• Liver disease: Having a compromised liver can lead to weight gain.

• Alcohol addiction: Too much alcohol use can lead to liver disease or liver failure.

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Prevention

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Menopause typically doesn't require medical attention. The following are some practical ways that help:

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• For hormone therapy, ask your doctor about the risks and benefits and whether it is suitable for you.

• The menopausal or hormone balance natural supplements, in most cases, are enough to help with your needs.

• Vaginal estrogen is applied directly to the vagina using a cream, ring, or tablet.

• Reduce consumption of over-the-counter drugs.

• Eat a clean diet.

• Sleep right.

• Exercise regularly.

• Stop smoking.

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Vitamins and Supplements for Menopause

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Menopause is a natural phase in life, but it can come with various symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness. Many women look to vitamins and supplements to manage these symptoms. Here are some commonly recommended vitamins and supplements for menopause.

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• Vitamin D: Helps maintain bone health and can prevent osteoporosis, which is a risk during and after menopause due to the decrease in estrogen.​

• Calcium: Essential for bone strength, as menopause increases the risk of bone density loss. Calcium supplements, especially when combined with Vitamin D, can help in this regard.​

• Black Cohosh: A popular herbal remedy that may reduce hot flashes, mood swings, and other symptoms of menopause. Some studies suggest it might mimic estrogen.​

• Soy Isoflavones: Contain plant estrogens that may help reduce hot flashes and other menopause symptoms. Some studies suggest they might be beneficial.​

• Evening Primrose Oil: Often used to alleviate hot flashes, mood swings, and breast tenderness. It contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid.​

• Vitamin B6: Helps with mood regulation and may reduce irritability and fatigue that often accompanies menopause.​

• Magnesium: Known for promoting better sleep and helping with muscle cramps, which some women experience more frequently during menopause.

• Probiotics: Help maintain gut health, which can be impacted during menopause due to changes in hormone levels.

• Red Clover: Contains phytoestrogens and may reduce hot flashes and night sweats. 

 

When to See a Doctor

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While many women can manage mild to moderate symptoms of menopause with lifestyle changes, supplements, and diet, there are times when it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider:

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• Severe Symptoms: If your symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances) are interfering with daily life and your overall well-being.

• Persistent or New Symptoms: If you experience new or unusually severe symptoms, such as heavy bleeding, severe pelvic pain, or changes in your menstrual cycle that feel abnormal (especially if you haven’t yet gone through menopause), it’s essential to consult a doctor.

• Bone Health: If you have concerns about bone health, osteoporosis, or fractures, a doctor can recommend screening, such as a bone density test.

• Heart Health: Menopause can affect cardiovascular health, and if you have risk factors for heart disease (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or family history), it’s crucial to discuss preventive measures with your doctor.

• Mental Health: If menopause symptoms, such as mood swings, anxiety, or depression, become overwhelming and impact your mental health, seek medical guidance. Menopause can sometimes exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions.

• Hormonal Therapy: If you’re considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other treatments, it's important to speak with a doctor to evaluate the risks and benefits based on your health history.