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.

ADVICE TO A CAREER MAN AND WOMAN WITH MARITAL ISSUES

I welcome all our Readers.

Over the years, we have seen or heard about people struggling with partners who are career people. Some even concluded that they cannot marry a career man or woman.

Our CEO (Marital Solution & World Research) has some tips that might help you even though you can't express the situation to a professional counselor or therapist.

For Career Women:

1. Communicate openly: Share your feelings, needs, and concerns with your partner. Be honest and transparent about your career goals and how they may be impacting your marriage. Listen to him and have an agreement.

2. Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life to maintain a healthy work-life balance. No matter how your job take your time, you must separate your marriage from work.

3. Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.

4. Seek support: Build a support network of friends (Reasonable Ones), family, or a therapist who can offer emotional support and guidance. But by doing this, choose wisely.

5. Re-evaluate priorities: Take time to reflect on your priorities and values. Ask yourself, "What's most important to me in my marriage and career?"

For Career Men:

1. Listen actively: Pay attention to your partner's concerns and feelings. Make an effort to understand their perspective and validate their emotions.

2. Be supportive: Offer encouragement and support your partner's career goals and aspirations.

3. Share responsibilities: Divide household and childcare responsibilities fairly to reduce stress and promote a sense of teamwork.

4. Communicate your needs: Openly share your own needs, desires, and stressors with your partner.

5. Take breaks together: Regularly schedule quality time with your partner to reconnect and strengthen your bond.

For Both:

1. Schedule quality time: Regularly set aside time for each other, without distractions.

2. Practice empathy and understanding: Try to see things from each other's perspective and be patient with each other's stresses and challenges.

3. Seek counseling: Consider couples therapy to work through issues together with a professional guide.

4. Foster intimacy: Prioritize emotional and physical intimacy to maintain a strong connection.

5. Celebrate each other's successes: Acknowledge and celebrate each other's achievements, both in your careers and personal lives.

6. Prayer: No matter what religion you practise, please pray as a family with or without your children.

Thank you for reading!