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.