Women Health

WOMEN’S HEALTH: WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT MENOPAUSE?

By Galbur Foundation

What is it all about?

Menopause is when a woman no longer has a period. This usually means that they are no longer able to have any more children. Women usually go through menopause at the age of 45. When women go through menopause, there is a fluctuation of hormones; this is the decrease in estrogen levels, and this causes symptoms like o Calcium levels decrease which causes muscle and bone problems o mood swings fatigue o hot flashes where wake a woman up from their sleep o Not wanting to leave the house/ getting out of the house o Dry skin o Insomnia o Irritability o Hair loss and other skin problems o Potential infections due to vaginal dryness Symptoms like these can sometimes have an impact on a person’s mental health, especially because these symptoms have such a huge change in a woman’s life. It is important to remember that testing for breast cancer from age 25-30 is important to reduce the risk of further complications, especially when it is detected at an earlier stage The medication HRT (hormonal replacement therapy) can be provided which helps regulate hormone levels. It is important to remember that HRT is dependent on the circumstances of the individual - every woman that goes through menopause has a different experience. Increase the intake of calcium so that it reduces muscle and bone pain. Reduce stress by talking to friends and family and ensuring that women are joining social gatherings. This is what is good for the mind, and it is especially important for women who are mothers - put Uunsi on and get off social media. Also, A hysterectomy (removal of the ovaries), forms of contraception such as the coil and the patch can help regulate hormones. Blood pressure tablets for those who cannot sleep at night. Therapy - sometimes talking to someone, especially a professional about any of the problems people go through helps guide them to a healthier mindset.

Changing eating habits and diet overall will help - organic foods are always going to be better for us. Foods like celery, kiwi and kale help aid mind and body health Apple cider vinegar, reduce the number of sugars because the bacteria thrive in that kind of environment where the sugar intake is high. Yoghurt has good bacteria that reduce the growth of bad bacteria and promote good gut health – it also reduces acid reflux (eat less towards the end of the day). Colonic cancers can be reduced by having a Mediterranean diet and foods that promote gut cleansing i.e., yoghurt, honey and foods that are high in vitamin D, and C - this would also lower weight and reduce the risk of diabetes. It is always essential to go to the doctors to help symptoms but having a good and healthy diet will make going through menopause a lot easier. Change daily routine where there is an implementation of physical activities and general exercises reduce levels of insomnia and make the mind and body more tired Taking paracetamol or a painkiller for every complication. It’s also advised that women talk to the GP about how going through menopause has had an impact on the woman’s mental health; the GP can prescribe anti-depressants. Also, taking supplements like vitamin D and magnesium for bone and mental (depression) health and B12, vitamin C and calcium for bone health It would be better to receive vitamin D from sunlight. So, the next best alternative is to take tablets.

Ibuprofen gel or spray on the body for muscle/ bone/ joint pain. Drink lots of water. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep, iron tablets and foods that are high in iron for anemia (this is where there are low hemoglobin levels in the blood). Please remember, methods of relieving symptoms are dependent on the woman’s experience so not everyone may follow the same treatment.