Pre and Post Menopausal Syndrome Ayurvedic Treatment

The difficulties experienced by women prior to and following menopause are termed as pre-menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms respectively. During pre-menopausal period, there may not be any symptoms of menopause- hot flashes, missed periods, sleep problems etc, but there are definitely certain hormonal changes in body (reduced estrogen production). Usually, the symptoms of pre-menopause are seen in perimenopause (around menopause). If a woman had been experiencing missed periods for more than 12 months, it is called post-menopausal period. The symptoms of post-menopause often start in perimenopausal period, and their severity reduces after menopause.

Pre and Post Menopausal Syndrome Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of pre-menopause which may seen during perimenopause are irregular periods, longer or shorter bleeding days, headache, insomnia, feeling of heartbeat, night sweats, vaginal dryness, tender breasts etc, and those of post-menopausal period are hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, weight gain, brain fog, lack of interest in sexual intercourse etc. Some rare symptoms are metallic taste in mouth, burning sensation of mouth and tongue, teeth problems etc.

Pre and Post Menopausal Syndrome Ayurvedic Analysis

Ayurveda says that a women’s menstrual period often stops by age 50. Rajas (menstruation/ menstrual blood) is a kind of pitta which is predominant during middle age (around 18-45). After period, pitta reduces and vata gets aggravated. As a result, during pre/ post-menopause, a woman experiences signs and symptoms of vitiated pitta and aggravated vata– such as dryness of vagina, hot flashes, night sweats, reduced sexual desire, mood changes etc. It’s a natural change in body, and hence support the transition phase of dosha (from pitta predominant to vata predominant) with medications and diet.

Pre and Post Menopausal Syndrome Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

Natural transition of body’s nature from a pitta predominant stage to vata predominant one is the reason for these symptoms. Pitta is responsible for menstruation, and during perimenopausal period vata take over the play.

Possible Complications of Pre and Post Menopausal Syndrome Disease

Usual complications of pre-menopausal symptoms are vaginal or urinary tract infections, reduced sexual desire, urinary incontinence etc.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Consider other conditions like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid dysfunctions, tumours etc before planning treatment.

Pre and Post Menopausal Syndrome Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

Symptomatic management is provided in pre- and post-menopausal symptoms. Internal medications that can normalise pitta and reduce the aggravation of vata can be given along with virechana (purgation), nasya (nasal drops), lepana (external application of drugs), talam (application of suitable medicine over scalp) etc. In order to manage the mental distress, yoga, meditation, pranayama and psychotherapy are also provided.

Diet

During this phase, the diet of women must contain more citrus fruits, fruit juices, milk, raggi, oats, nuts etc. Avoid excess intake of spicy, dry, hot food. Drink plenty of water.

Exercise

Mild to moderate exercise is recommended to perform during this period. Yoga is another useful technique to achieve mental as well as physical wellbeing.

Pre and Post Menopausal Syndrome Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

It cannot be prevented much, but having healthy food containing more citrus fruits, milk, nuts, millets etc help a lot. Exercise regularly. Ensure adequate sleep. Drink enough water.

Importance of Diet

The diet must be capable enough to balance the tridosha. Certain food items such as pickles, alcohol etc can worsen the symptoms. Follow the guidelines of physician prior to choosing the right food.

Lifestyle

Avoid stress/ anxiety. Exercise regularly. Eat healthy food. Ensure adequate sleep. Drink plenty of water. Avoid over-exertion and sedentary habit. Maintain healthy body weight.