Menopause is a developmental milestone in women’s health

The term menopause is derived from two Greek words – menos or month and pausis or cease. It is the time in a woman’s life when menstrual periods stop permanently. The usual age is between 49 – 52 years. Menopause is diagnosed when the monthly periods have stopped for a whole year.

It indicates ceasing of ovarian function. Climacteric is the time period prior to menopause when there is a change in menstrual patterns. Length of menstrual cycles can vary from shorter to longer intervals between periods. There can be heavier or lighter periods. Other changes include hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep disturbances and headaches.

About eight in every 10 women will experience these symptoms for some time before and after periods stop. Physical symptoms like palpitations, joint stiffness and pain, urinary frequency and recurrent urine infections. They can also experience genital dryness and reduced libido.

Health effects include descent of uterus for its normal position (called as prolapse), loss of good control of urination, and osteoporosis — weakening of bones — increasing the risk of fractures.

Menopause is a natural phenomenon and does not require treatment. When physical, mental and emotional effects of menopause disrupt a woman’s life, then she needs palliative medical treatment.

Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, balanced diet and stopping smoking are advisable.

Genital dryness can be managed with lubricants; hot flashes can be managed by avoiding heated places, taking a cool shower. Avoid triggers like spicy food, caffeine, smoking and alcohol. If symptoms are not relieved, consult your doctor to discuss the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

On the advice of your doctor, HRT can be safely taken up to five years. Alternative therapies include planting estrogen called isoflavones, which are present in black cohosh, flaxseed and soya products.

Osteoporosis can be tackled by increasing calcium intake at least 1.5g daily with vitamin D, regular exercise and stopping smoking. Osteoporosis sometimes needs drug treatment.

Psychological symptoms not relieved with counseling may need referral to psychiatrist especially for depression.

About one per cent of women may experience premature menopause — stoppage of periods before age of 40 years.