By IANSlife
September 11, 2022 (IANSlife) Each woman is affected by menopause in a unique way. Numerous symptoms, including irregular periods, hot flashes, sweating, sleep difficulties, mood swings, irritability, hip and back pain, and more, are associated with this transition for many women.
“Indian women typically go through menopause early, at the average age of 46.2 years, five years earlier than in western nations. Hormonal changes begin even earlier during peri menopause or the time around menopause, which lasts four years or even up to a decade. During this period, 80 percent of women are affected by menopausal symptoms. A holistic approach to managing this phase can help women relieve the discomfort and stay healthy,” said Dr. Jaideep Malhotra, past president of the Indian Menopause Society & South Asian Federation of Menopause Societies.
The secret to a healthier life is to prepare for this time, just as we do for other life milestones like job interviews and parenthood. Here are 4 general actions you can take to manage menopause better:
Maintain a balanced diet
Good nutrition is a game changer for managing menopause symptoms from hot flashes to bloating. Foods to include and to avoid in your diet are:
Include
Avoid
Stay active
Regular exercise can keep your bones strong, improve your mood, and combat symptoms like weight gain as your body changes. You can attempt the following activities:
Mental Health
Emotional and mental health may be impacted by hormonal changes during peri menopause or menopause. Women going through this stage may exhibit symptoms including insomnia, anxiety, immobility, exhaustion, stress, or depression. The majority of the symptoms can be controlled by altering one's lifestyle. These symptoms may be lessened by exercise, healthy eating habits, drinking plenty of water, and relaxation techniques for restful sleep. Find what works for you and make realistic, attainable goals.
Consult with a doctor
Co-morbid disorders, such osteoporosis and heart disease, which menopausal women are more likely to develop, can be prevented by maintaining good health. Additionally, there are a variety of therapeutic choices for menopause symptoms, such as menopausal hormonal therapy, which can help keep your body's oestrogen levels stable and control symptoms. If you experience symptoms that concern you, it is always advisable to see a doctor.
“Menopause is a time of transition for women, which can prove challenging. At Abbott,believe it is vital to raise awareness on the physical, mental and overall emotional aspects of menopause, so that women can seek the help they may need and live this life stage fully. At the same time, we partner with healthcare professionals to share therapy best practices and change how we address women experiencing menopause, to support women holistically, beyond physical symptoms,” said Dr. Jejoe Karankumar, Medical Director, Abbott India.
(Dr. Jaideep Malhotra, Past President of the Indian Menopause Society & Dr. Jejoe Karankumar, Medical Director, Abbott India)
(This article is website exclusive and cannot be reproduced without the permission of IANSlife)
IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in