Talk To Your Doctor

Menopause

- Dr. Neena Singh Kumar
Gynecologic Endoscopic Surgeon

What is Menopause?

A Natural Menopause is defined as a year free of menstruation from a woman’s last period. The word “Menopause” comes from two Greek words “Meno” meaning month and “Pause” meaning a halt.

What is the normal age for Menopause?

A it usually occurs between the ages of 45 & 55 with symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings etc. Menopause is a natural phase of a woman’s life as the others namely Menstruation, Motherhood etc.

What is Hormonal imbalance in Menopause?

A As a woman gets older there are hormonal fluctuation and imbalance in her body. This happens because the Ovaries progressively reduce estrogen production, as a result period may be delayed, come early, or continue much as they have been. Once Ovaries stops functioning the monthly menstruation stops and patient passes in to the phase of Menopause.

Surgical Menopause comes instantly when both Ovaries are removed (in case of a uterus operation) because estrogen level drops suddenly. The symptoms are usually immediate and more intense.

Are hot flushes & mood swings common in Menopause?

A Hot Flushes remain one of the most common Menopausal symptoms. Hot Flushes are bursts of heat that may begin at a particular point. For example-the nape of the neck and radiate throughout the upper body perspiration, flushing and heart palpitations often accompany the feeling of heat. Hot flushes are then followed by cold shivering as the body tries to re-adjust the temperature.

Are there any Non-Hormonal methods to control hot flushes?

A yes, There are some simple remedies to control the discomfort of hot flushes that are not severe enough to warrant medical attention.

• A cold drink is helpful at the first sign of a flush.
• A hand fan is easily carried for use as an instant cooler.
• A cool shower at bedtime can help prevent night sweats
• Cotton sheets and cotton lingerie breathe and allow perspiration to escape.
• Dress in layers so you can remove clothing discreetly.
• Try to avoid situations that produce hot flushes. These include tense situations, vigorous exercise, hot weather sunning, spicy food, gulping your meals or alcoholic beverages.

Is it true that women become prone to urinary & vaginal infections in Menopause?

A The decrease in estrogen during Menopause can cause lining of the bladder and urethra to become thin and irritated, making the urinary tract prone to infection. Some women notice a weakening of muscles of the bladder and urethra and experience a light loss urine during laughing and coughing.

Further more as estrogen levels drops, the vaginal lining becomes thinner and vagina becomes shorter, narrower and patients experience lot of vaginal dryness and itching at times.

We are hearing a lot about osteoporosis in Menopause, what is it?

A osteoporosis literally means ‘Porous Bone’ Osteoporosis has been called a “Silent disease”. People with Osteoporosis may have no symptoms until their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump or fall  causes a bone fracture. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes your bones to become thin and weak. It mostly occurs in women after Menopause that is because the female hormone estrogen helps women maintain bone strength. As Estrogen level decline, bone is lost. As bones weaken, they can be more easily broken.

How do we practically mange Menopause symptoms?

A Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a compressive therapy that offers both short and long term benefits to the majority of menopause women.
Conjugated Estrogen, combination of Estrogen and Progesterone, Trans dermal patches, vaginal Creams, Raloxifene, isoflavone (phytoestrogen i.e derived from plants) Tibolone are available. Before starting therapy patients needs to be aware of their risk factors for cardiovascular disease, Osteoporosis and Breast Cancer. In order to make the correct choice, consult your doctor today.