Menopause is a natural transition that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It’s a time of significant hormonal change, as the body’s production of oestrogen and progesterone decreases. While menopause is a natural part of the ageing process, it can be a challenging time for many women, as they experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms.
From a health and wellness perspective, menopause can be seen as an opportunity to embrace the changes that are occurring, and to focus on self-care. This might involve making lifestyle changes that support overall health and well-being, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga and journalling.
It can also be helpful to connect with other women who are going through menopause.
Risks
One significant health concern associated with menopause is an increased risk of osteoporosis, which causes bones to become weak and brittle.
Oestrogen plays a key role in maintaining bone density, so the decrease in oestrogen during menopause can lead to a loss of bone density, bringing fracture risk (particularly in the spine, hip, and wrist).
Other health issues include an elevated risk of heart disease and stroke. Oestrogen has a protective effect on the heart and blood vessels, so it’s important for women to be aware of these risks and to take steps to maintain heart health.
Once again, good food, exercise and stress management are all important.
Hormone replacement therapy is an option that can help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. HRT involves taking oestrogen (and sometimes progesterone) to replace the hormones that are no longer being produced by the ovaries. HRT can be taken in the form of pills, patches, or creams.
While HRT can be effective in relieving menopausal symptoms, some research has suggested that HRT may increase the risk of certain health problems, such as breast cancer, blood clots, and stroke. It’s important for women to discuss the potential risks and benefits of HRT with their healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Other approaches
There are various non-hormonal treatment options for menopausal symptoms. These include over-the-counter and prescription medications, as well as lifestyle changes.
Some women find it helpful to incorporate complementary and alternative therapies into their self-care routine during menopause. These include acupuncture, herbal remedies, and massage.
Many people experience emotional changes during menopause, such as mood swings, anxiety, and irritability, as familiar cycles change. It’s helpful to practice self-compassion and to be gentle with yourself during this time. Activities that promote relaxation and self-care are a great way to manage emotional symptoms.
Another aspect of health and wellness during menopause is sexual health. Along with vaginal dryness, changes in sexual desire are common. Communication with partners and healthcare providers is important here.
While menopause can be a difficult transition, it also brings positive life changes to many women, including more energy (in many cases), and an end to menstrual cramps, PMS and worries about birth control.
In many cultures, menopause is regarded as a time for self-reflection and growth, as women have more time and energy to focus on their own interests and goals. This is the perfect stage of life to celebrate and embrace the wisdom, spiritual depth and experience that comes with age.
