Your Health Celebrating womanhood
Dr Tan May Ling, Health Enrichment Centre (far left) and Ms Dora Ng, Complementary Integrative Medicine Clinic from Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Women are now looking at menopause as a new phase of their lives when they have more time to do the things they enjoy.
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Celebrating Womanhood
Understanding Menopause
Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her menstrual period ends. There may be symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness or palpitations. Some women also ex p e r i e n c e p syc h o l o g i c a l symptoms like anxiety, irritability, depression, tiredness, loss of sexual drive, lack of concentration and forgetfuln e s s . T h e r e m ay a l s o b e aches and pains of the body, vaginal dr yness leading to painful intercourse, bladder problems and skin changes. The risks of osteoporosis, heart disease and stroke also increase after menopause. They are all associated with, but not necessarily caused by the drop in oestrogen levels.
Managing the Transition
The average age of m e n o p au s e f o r wo m e n i n Singapore is 49 to 50 years old. Be proactive about your health by preparing yourself p h y s i c a l l y, m e n t a l l y a n d
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psychologically for this phase in your life.
Health Screening
Go for annual mammogram if you’re bet ween 40 and 49 years old to detect early signs of breast cancer. If you’re older, it should be done once every two years. Every three years, go for a pap smear. On top of these, it is recommended that you go for regular health screening, to minimise your health risks.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Tr a d i t i o n a l C h i n e s e Medicine (TCM) focuses on qi flow and blood circulation which are essential elements for yin and yang balance and harmony within the human body. Decline in ovary functions as a woman ages will result in hormonal imbalance, causing various menopausal symptoms. The body constitution changes, resulting in either yin deficiency or yang in excess.
TCM therapies like acupuncture, dietetic therapy, herbal medication and diversional therapy can be used to help alleviate menopausal symptoms in a safe and gentle manner. Acupuncture is useful in the treatment of hot flushes and night sweats, anxiet y, irritability and insomnia. In addition, acupunc ture im proves qi flow and regulates hormonal imbalance. Dietetic therapy makes use of fo o d w ith her bs to help improve energy levels and blood circulation. TC M ’s a p p r o a c h f o r m e n o p au s a l sy m pt o m s i s tailored to the individual as everyone has different body constitution and experiences different symptoms.
Be a Well Woman
Being prepared and in the pink of health for your prime years will allow you much joy and freedom to love life and embrace womanhood.