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What’s this
Menopause is defined as the time when you have the definitive cessation of menstruation. It is a physiological and natural phase that affects the life of every woman and that is part of a transition period called climacteric. The climacteric can last several years, up to ten, and occurs on average in an age included between 40 and 55 years. At the beginning of the climacteric, therefore in the premenopause, the ovaries begin to reduce their activity and this involves on the one hand a decrease in estrogen and progesterone and on the other, an increase in two other hormones, called LH and FSH. Hormonal levels then settle down when menstruation stops, which coincides with menopause.
On average the menopause occurs around age 50, but the disappearance of menstruation can also occur several years before or a few years later. Starting from premenopause and up to postmenopause, therefore also after the disappearance of the menstrual cycle, many women complain of symptoms which are known as “menopausal disorders” and which include a range of physical and psychological problems related to hormonal changes.
Most common ailments
Many women during climacteric complain of symptoms known as menopausal disorders. These are symptoms that can affect the blood circulation, the gynecological and urinary system, the metabolism, the osteroarticular system or the emotional sphere and which are caused by alterations in hormonal levels.
THE symptoms can vary from woman to woman both in frequency and in intensity and duration, exactly as those related to PMS and to the cycle in general vary. Such symptoms include breast tenderness, headache and hot flashes, with redness of the skin, sudden sweating and feeling of heat, which also occur during the night causing night sweats that disturb sleep. L’sleep irregularities it can exacerbate the irritability, agitation, nervousness and anxiety that many women experience during menopause and contributes to feeling less focused and more fatigued during the day.
After the cessation of the cycle then, many women report a decreased sexual desire and difficulty in having intercourse due to physiological vaginal dryness and loss of muscle tone which cause irritation of the vaginal mucosa and sometimes pain during intercourse. The pelvic floor muscles are also affected by the hormonal changes of menopause and, by weakening, can lead to incontinence, difficulty holding pee and uterine prolapse.
The cessation of the menstrual cycle also has repercussions on the metabolism and this can lead to an increase in body weight and accumulations of adipose tissue in the abdomen. Finally, menopause also leads to disorders of the osteoarticular system and increases the risk of osteoporosis with demineralization of the bones.
What to do
Dealing with menopause in a peaceful way is possible, as well as it is possible to alleviate the ailments associated with it. The first thing to do is to contact your gynecologist or your gynecologist, a reference figure in the life of women from puberty to menopause.
Very important at this stage is to take care of your own nutrition and lifestyle in general, to adapt the diet to metabolic changes and benefit from food. A constant physical activity, even if moderate, is absolutely to be taken into consideration to keep the muscles and bones healthy, as well as to relieve stress, reduce anxiety and agitation and maintain the mood more high. Don’t forget to also train the pelvic floor through Kegel exercises, which help prevent incontinence and prolapse of the uterus and keep the muscles of the vagina toned. To reduce vaginal dryness and prevent irritation, aloe vera gel is useful, also to be used every day or before and during sexual intercourse.
There meditation and breathing techniques, practiced every day, can then help reduce anxiety, agitation and nervousness. To promote sleep and rest, as well as making the bedroom comfortable and eliminating any sources of disturbance, it is finally possible to resort to herbal teas based on hops, lemon balm and sage: the first two have a relaxing action while sage regulates sweating.
Natural remedies
Generally, to counteract the symptoms of menopause is resorted to hormone replacement therapy, especially useful when menopause sets in early. In fact, the therapies are not only used to give relief in case of hot flashes and irritability, but to prevent osteoporosis and health problems related to the drop in estrogen. In addition to hormone therapy, there are validi natural remedies effective against the symptoms of menopause, to better face this natural phase of women’s life.
Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens are molecules produced by plants with a similar structure to our estrogens. Cumestranes and isoflavones, considered the most effective against menopausal disorders, belong to this category. Where are phytoestrogens found? Soy beans, Kundzu (Puerara lobata), red clover, but also peas, brussels sprouts and bean sprouts contain a fair amount. In addition to consuming these foods at the table, supplements are used to guarantee the body an adequate amount of phytoestrogens. On the market there are tablets, capsules and liquid extracts with a high content of phytoestrogens, formulated specifically to improve the well-being of postmenopausal women.
Sage
Sage is an aromatic herb that has always been considered friend of women. In particular, it is indicated for reducing hot flashes and night sweats. It is taken in the form of an infusion or mother tincture, also together with other natural remedies for menopause.
Black Cohosh
The rhizomes and roots of Black Cohosh are taken in the form of mother tincture or dry extract and are very useful for counteracting the disorders that can appear in premenopause and menopause.
Griffonia
Another plant useful against menopausal disorders is griffonia. This plant helps regulate mood, reduces the sense of hunger and helps maintain a healthy weight. In addition, griffonia has a relaxing action and helps to counteract the decreased desire which can occur during menopause.
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