Be informed! Watch out for early signs of menopause

CHENNAI: Menopause is the moment when the menstrual cycles come to an end. Women are considered to have officially reached the menopause stage when they haven’t had a menstrual period for 12 continuous months. Menopause which in general, occurs in the late 40s or early 50s in women, is a normal component of the ageing process which signals the end of the reproductive years for women. There are 3 stages of Menopause. Perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause.

Dr Anilasre Atluri, gynaecologist, and obstetrician at Apollo Spectra Hospital, says the period before menopause in a woman that might last for about eight to ten years is known as perimenopause. The menopause stage could last for 1 to 2 years. The period following menopause is postmenopause which persists until a woman’s life. The average age for menopause to begin in women is 51 years.

She added that a woman’s physical and emotional state might change during perimenopause and menopause. Many women are shocked to discover that perimenopause may start at a young age. According to research, physical exercises, a good healthy diet, and reducing caffeine and alcohol intake can all help control perimenopause symptoms.

“During perimenopause, menstruation in women could be lighter, heavier, or more irregular. Hot flushes, one of the most common symptoms of menopause, can cause women’s entire bodies to become uncomfortably heated for a minute or longer. One of the typical menopausal symptoms is waking up during the middle of the night and being unable to fall back asleep. Hormonal imbalances associated with menopause might increase mood swings,” she said.

Arunima Singhdeo, founder & CEO of Shvasa.com, an online yoga learning platform says “Yoga, including restorative and supportive poses, can ameliorate the undesirable side effects of menopause.”