Menopause causes a havoc of hormonal and psychological changes in women. Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT can be helpful to deal with menopause. Read here to know the benefits of HRT.Menopause is the term given to cessation of periods. It is characterized by many symptoms. The ill effects of menopause can be prevented by ERT or estrogen replacement therapy, which is actually a part of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
What are the side-effects of menopause?
During menopause the menstrual periods in women stop completely and permanently. A lot of physical and psychological changes take place in a woman’s body due to cessation of periods. Let us take a look at the list of side-effects that are experienced by women due to menopause.
Hot Flushes
Hot flushes are a sudden feeling of heat or warmth throughout the body which may be experienced by women. This feeling is also accompanied with feeling of dizziness, nausea, uneasiness and sweating.
Mood Swings
Menopause is also characterised by
psychological changes in females which may result in sudden mood swings. The symptoms of mood swings may include lack of patience, depression, sadness, stress, anxiety, aggressiveness, nervousness etc. Mood swings are triggered as a result of reduction in the levels of estrogen with affect the production of serotonin which is a mood regulating neurotransmitter.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is nothing but the weakening of bones. The reduction in estrogen levels during menopause is responsible for the loss of bone mass which may result in
osteoporosis.
Vaginal Changes
Again the
vaginal changes during menopause can also be attributed to the reduced levels or estrogen. These vaginal changes included thinning of vaginal tissues, vaginal infections, irritation and dryness in vaginal area, incontinence, frequent urination, decreased libido, pain while urinating etc.
Other Side Effects
Women may also experience other side effects which are as follows:
- Hair fall
- Brittle nails
- Dry skin
- Muscle and joint pain
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Disturbed sleep
- Tenderness in breasts
- Bleeding gums
- Weight gain
- Indigestion and bloating
- Poor memory
How can the ill-effects of menopause be reduced?
The ill-effects of menopause can largely be prevented with estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). ERT reduces the incidence of osteoporosis, heart attacks and strokes and generally improves the well being and life span of women. For more than three decades estrogens have been prescribed to relieve menopausal symptoms. Treatments like Estrogen Replacement Therapies (ERT) and Hormone Replacement Therapies (HRT) can reduce the gynaecological and psychological changes associated with menopause while inhibiting bone resorption and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
All menopausal and post-menopausal women go through estrogen deficient years, which can manifest in both physical and emotional ways leading to impairment in the quality of life. As the female life expectancy has increased, it is possible for a woman to live one third of the life after menopause. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a treatment for menopause given to women to correct the hormonal deficiency in peri and post-menopausal state.
What are the other alternative remedies?
The side-effects of menopause can also be countered by using other alternative remedies. Women who do not want to undergo HRT or who are not allowed to undergo HRT due to certain reasons can opt for alternative remedies. These remedies include lifestyle changes like exercising regularly, having balanced and healthy meals, quitting all bad habits like drinking and smoking, drinking a plenty of water etc.
It is a must for women reaching menopausal stage to be aware of changes that will be taking place in their body. Being aware of such changes will help them to make lifestyle changes accordingly thereby combating the side-effects of menopause.
