What is menopause?
Most women begin menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. The average age for menopause onset in the India was 50 years old, and above. Early menopause usually refers to onset before age 40, which is commonly observed these days….
Menopause occurs when your ovaries stop producing estrogen’, the hormone that controls the reproductive cycle. A woman is in menopause when she hasn’t had a period for more than 12 months. But associated symptoms, such as hot flashes, start long before menopause during a period called perimenopause.
Anything that damages your ovaries or stops estrogen production can cause early menopause. This includes chemotherapy for cancer or an oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries). In these cases, your doctor will help prepare you for early menopause. But you can also go into menopause early even if your ovaries are still intact.
Causes
There are several known causes of early menopause, although sometimes the cause can’t be determined.
? Genetics.
? Lifestyle factors
? Body mass index (BMI)
? Chromosome defects
? Autoimmune diseases
? Epilepsy
What are the symptoms of early menopause?
Early menopause can begin as soon as you start having irregular periods or periods that are noticeably longer or shorter than normal. Other symptoms of early menopause include:
- heavy bleeding
- spotting
- periods that last longer than a week
- a period after a year of no bleeding
In these cases, see your doctor to check for any other issues that might be causing these symptoms.
Other common symptoms of menopause include:
- moodiness
- changes in sexual feelings or desire
- vaginal dryness
- trouble sleeping
- hot flashes
- night sweats
- loss of bladder control
How is early menopause diagnosed?
Estrogens
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Can early menopause contribute to other conditions?
Infertility is often the most obvious concern when you start menopause 10 or more years early. Yet, there are other health concerns. A steady stream of estrogen to your tissues has many uses. Estrogen increases “good” HDL cholesterol and decreases “bad” LDL cholesterol. It also relaxes blood vessels and prevents bones from thinning.
Losing estrogens earlier than normal can increase your risk of:
Heart disease
Osteoporosis
Parkinson’s-like symptoms
Depression
Dementia
Premature death
Menopause and Good Nutrition
Some risk factors and symptoms linked with aging and menopause can’t be changed. But good nutrition can help prevent or ease certain conditions that may develop during and after menopause.
Basic Dietary Guidelines for Menopause
During menopause, eat a variety of foods to get all the nutrients you need. Since women’s diets are often low in iron and calcium, follow these guidelines:
? Get enough calcium
? Pump up your iron
? Get enough fiber
? Eat fruits and vegetables
? Read labels
? Drink plenty of water
? Maintain a healthy weight
? Cut back on high-fat foods
? Use sugar and salt in moderation
? Limit alcohol
For detailed personalized MEAL PLANS for period of MENOPAUSE you can connect at
FOOD FITNESS Rashmi N Bhanushali
Consultant Medical Nutritionist www.foodfitness.in https://www.facebook.com/rashmi2112/
9833876027