Early menopause is a condition when the functioning of ovaries stops before the actual age of menopause, which is after 45 years. Menopause is only considered when you don't have your menstruation cycle for 12 months and you must not panic because irregular cycles are common in early 40s. If a woman stops having her periods before the age of 40, it happens due to underproduction of oestrogen and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Common symptoms that women experience are pain during sexual intercourse and absence of menstruation. Pain usually occurs due to vaginal dryness and one may also experience other symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, etc. These symptoms are usually similar to the symptoms that happen during menopause.
Premature infertility is also a side effect of early menopause. Although in certain cases, it is possible for women to conceive after medications. Early symptoms include low sex drive and lower libido. One must consult a gynaecologist as soon as possible if there are any of the above mentioned symptoms, because this disease can be controlled by medicine but it cannot be reversed. Women must take care of themselves and they should visit the gynaecologist for regular checkups to maintain their health. Along with that, one must also pay close attention to the nutritional requirements after a certain age. On World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2021, Onlymyhealth editorial team spoke to Dr. Anagha Laliwala, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Masina hospital, about the treatment of early menopause in women.
Treatment For Early Menopause
Early menopause can be treated and controlled with hormonal therapies and various lifestyle changes. It is always a combination of both eating healthy and exercise. Lack of regular physical activity becomes the root cause of many diseases. According to Dr. Anagha, here are the treatment options for early menopause:
1. Eat soy foods
Including soy foods in your diet can be beneficial for women going through early menopause, as it relieves the symptoms. It majorly helps to lower the hot flushes and night sweats in women. It is even considered that it has similar effects as estrogen in our body.
2. Exercise and meditation
Around 50% of women in India have a sedentary lifestyle, and suffer from obesity. It is very important to keep a watch on your weight. Even if your weight is under control, you must involve yourself in atleast 30 minutes of physical activity on daily basis. Meditation plays a vital role in maintaining hormonal balance in the body. Even 20 minutes of meditation can help you improve your hormonal balance. It also helps in keeping your mind and body young.
3. Calcium and vitamins D supplements
Depletion in amount of estrogen is the main cause of irregular cycles and menopause. One of the side effects is osteoporosis, hence women must stock up on Calcium along with Vitamin-D, because they are very important for absorption of calcium in the body.
Also read: Surprising Health Benefits of Menopause for Women
4. Eat Flaxseeds
Including flaxseeds in your diet is also a good home remedy to get relief from the symptoms of early menopause. Flaxseeds contain good fats which are vital for female reproductive system. It is also very easy to include few seed mixtures in your diet. You can roast and eat them raw, or just sprinkle them over the salad.
5. Avoid alcohol and smoking
Alcohol and smoking have adverse effects on the female reproductive system. Constant smoking and consumption of alcohol may give rise to issues such as irregular cycles and early menopause. Therefore, avoid alcohol and smoking to prevent early menopause.
6. Hormonal therapy
Hormonal therapy may also be necessary for the patient keeping in mind the severity of the situation. One must always consult a doctor before taking any medications. Required hormones are given to the women suffering from menopause in the form of pills.
Also read: Going Through Menopause? Psychiatrist Tips To Maintain Mental Stability During This Phase
There is no known effective treatment to reverse early menopause, so one must take care of their health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you lower the risks of a list of diseases. You must pay attention and keep a note of changes happening and you should also consult a doctor at the earliest.
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