/ayurveda/menopause/

Menopause is not a disorder, it is just a natural phase in the life of a woman. During this phase the reproductive ability gradually comes to a cease. This is a transitionary phase in which woman under goes mental and physical  changes indicating an entry into older years of life. Menopause is a physiological change accompanied by emotional disturbances. It can be simply defined as the end of the last menstrual period. This natural transition generally occurs at the age of 45-55 years.

After woman enters into menopause there would be a decrease in estrogen secretion causing less growth of endometrial lining leading to decrease in flow. Eventually, cycles becoming longer with missed periods and little spotting. When there is no  bleeding for almost a year we can consider that it’s a sign of menopause

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE

Menopause is called “RAJANIVRITI” in Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, menstrual cycle starts at 12 and ends at 50.This can vary based on the hereditary, diet and lifestyle factors.

During this phase there will be a predominance of  “VATA” and “PITTA”. In rare cases there would be dominance of “KAPHA”.

Why Does Menopausal Discomfort Occur?

Because of the following factors:

  • Menopause is the change from the pitta phase of life to the vata phase of life. If woman has a pitta or vata imbalance already then, the symptoms are likely to worsen during menopause
  • Another element is AMA(toxins)
  • Over use of mind, body and emotions.

Symptoms

  • Hot flush
  • Increased urinary frequency
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Memory deficit
  • Fluctuating mood
  • Depression
  • Irritability

Menopause will be a very smooth experience for some, will have moderate symptoms for some and extreme symptoms for some people.

Treatment

  • Medicated ghee – Oral administration of medicated ghee
  • Nasya – Administration of medicated oil through the nasal cavity
  • Dhara – Pouring of herbal decoctions or medicated buttermilk
  • Abhyanga – application of medicated oil all over the body
  • Shirodhara – pouring of medicated oils on the forehead
  • Vasti – Medicated enema
  • Virechana – purgation
  • Meditation
  • Yoga

Nothing can be more effective than dietary and lifestyle modifications if they are made at the right time to assist the changing physiology of your body for an easy menopause.

During menopause phase Vata Dosha predominates and measures taken to reduce vata and bring back the doshic balance, will prevent most of the pre-menopausal symptoms.

  • Eating the right food is very important. Select a balanced as well as a nutritious diet. 
  • Stick to warm food and fluids, maintain regular eating pattern / timing and use spices such as fennel, ginger, cinnamon, fenugreek and cumin in food
  • Include milk and milk products and add lot of fruits and vegetables in your diet to supplement calcium, iron, vitamins and minerals.
  • Avoid excessive intake of salt, chillies, spices, sour foods, and pickles.
  • Decrease intake of caffeine and other stimulants, refined sugar, junk food, cold and carbonated drinks.
  • If a person is prone to pitta based symptoms, such as hot flushes, follow a pitta pacifying food.
  • Avoid foods that are spicy, salty and sour.
  • Take foods that are bitter, astringent and sweet.
  • If a person is prone to vata based symptoms, such as memory loss or dryness, follow vata pacifying food.
  • Avoid food that is bitter, astringent and pungent.
  • Take foods that is sweet, sour and salty.
  • Drink plenty of warm water
  • Take cooked food
  • Eat plenty of vegetables and green leafy vegetables
  • Fresh fruits
  • Buttermilk
  • Ghee
  • Do yoga or exercise regularly: this will strengthen your bones, calms the mind, increases well-being and induces good sleep
  • Watch your weight and lose weight if you think you are over weight
  • Quit smoking and cut down on alcohol as these can be harmful at this stage

Useful Herbs

  • Satavary
  • Yashtimadhu
  • Ashwagandha
  • Aloevera
  • Ashoka
  • Fenugreek seeds