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Menopause

The menopause is the natural decline in female fertility. It can occur anywhere between the mid thirties to mid fifties, but typically occurs between 45-55. The ovaries stop producing mature eggs on a monthly cycle. There may just be a gradual cessation of menstruation or a lengthening of the time between each period that will naturally cease. It is not a disease merely a transformation. There are lots of benefits a natural lifestyle can bring to this time of change. This alteration in the hormonal balance may result in certain symptoms such as: - hot flushes - night sweats - insomnia - dryness - lowered libido - palpitations - mood swings Ayurvedic viewpoint Ayurveda is the traditional medical system of India based on the three basic constitutional elements of vata, pitta and kapha. It uses natural remedies along with lifestyle and dietary recommendations to balance these elements and bring optimum health. The Ayurvedic perspective on menopause is that the pitta phase associated with ambition, family rearing and drive is evolving into the vata phase of wisdom, maturity and insight. This also has physiological effects and in individuals where the constitution is destabilised there can be some uncomfortable symptoms. The main symptoms of vata are: nervousness, dryness, depression, anxiety, irregular cycle, missed menses, mood swings, sleep disturbances, lowered libido, hot and cold flushes. The main symptoms of pitta are: hot flushes, heat sensations, vata pushing pitta upwards, irritability, anger, change in menstrual flow, night sweats, digestive upset. It is also common for some women to put on weight (kapha symptom) during menopause, especially if they have disturbed digestion or are taking HRT. Some Ayurvedic dietary suggestions The diet will depend on the constitutional factors causing aggravation. Some general advice is: - Avoid hot spices, greasy food, very cold foods - Increase warm and easy to digest foods, increase soya products as these are high in isoflavones that are beneficial in reducing hot flushes and also protect against cancer. - Avoid coffee. It increases blood pressure, heart rate and dilates the peripheral skin vessels, hence, encourages sweating. - Avoid alcohol as this dilates the peripheral skin vessels and encourages sweating Lifestyle recommendations Become involved with some form of self-nurturing, personal inspiration, creativity enhancing practice such as Yoga. Have regular massage to help tone the skin, clear toxins and calm the nervous system. Menopause recommended treatments » Aloe Vera Juice » Refresh Pitta tea » Rose water » Shatavari Capsules