MENOPAUSE

Welcome to another episode! Today, we’ll be discussing an important stage in women’s lives known as menopause. Menopause is a natural part of aging, marking the time when the ovaries stop producing reproductive hormones, and menstrual periods cease for twelve consecutive months.

Causes

Common Causes:

• Natural Hormonal Decline: A decrease in estrogen and progesterone, which regulate menstrual cycles.
• Complete Hysterectomy: Removal of both the uterus and ovaries, often due to other related issues.
• Cancer Treatments: Chemotherapy or radiation therapy can induce menopause.
• Premature Menopause: Also known as primary ovarian insufficiency, where the ovaries fail to produce normal hormone levels.

Symptoms

Characteristic Symptoms:

• Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Periods become unpredictable.
• Heavy Bleeding: May occur for a day or two.
• Night Sweats: Excessive sweating during the night.
• Hot Flashes: Sudden feelings of heat.
• Vaginal Dryness: Itching and pain during intercourse.
• Frequent UTIs: Increased risk of urinary tract infections.
• Mood Swings: Emotional fluctuations.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness.
• Weight Gain: Uneven fat distribution.

Diagnosis

Common Diagnostic Methods:

• Hormone Variations: Difficult to diagnose based on hormone levels alone.
• Absence of Periods: No menstrual periods for a year confirms menopause.
• Blood Tests: Checking levels of Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen.

Treatments

No specific medical treatment is necessary. Treatments focus on alleviating symptoms.

Complications

Possible complications include:

• Osteoporosis: Accelerated decline in bone density.
• Cardiovascular Disease: Increased risk.
• Urinary Incontinence: Loss of bladder control.

Nutrition

Foods to Eat:

• Calcium-Rich Foods: Milk, fish, broccoli, legumes.
• Protein Sources: Red meat, poultry, eggs, leafy greens, nuts, enriched grains.
• Fiber: Whole-grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water.

Foods to Avoid:

• High-Fat Foods: Fatty meats, whole milk, ice cream, cheese.
• Limit Sugar and Salt: Reduce intake.
• Avoid Spicy Foods, Caffeine, and Alcohol.