Women represent half the world’s population, but when it comes to their own health, they face challenges around the world in accessing doctors and medicines. This disparity is visible at various stages in a woman’s life, from the onset of menstruation to menopause.

Menstruation is a natural process that occurs in every woman’s life but is often associated with pain, discomfort, and at times social stigma. Severe pain, heavy bleeding, and hormonal fluctuations can cause headaches, mood swings, acne, and digestive problems.

As soon as women enter their reproductive phase, they face the challenges of family planning, pregnancy and child birth. Women face conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and fibroids, which cause pain and emotional stress.

Average age of menopause in India and its symptoms

According to Dr. Surabhi Singh, Cosmetic Gynecologist, Beau Monde Clinic, GK 1, menopause starts at an average age of 46.6 years in India, and about 14.66% women face this change around this age.

menopause

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to hot flashes, sleep disruptions, mood swings, and an increased risk of bone weakness (osteoporosis) and heart disease.

Many women feel isolated during this time because there are many misconceptions about menopause in society, and the issue is still rarely discussed in many cultures.

Factors affecting the onset of menopause

Many factors can influence the onset of menopause, such as age at first menstruation, number of pregnancies, lifestyle habits such as smoking and alcohol, socio-economic status, and overall health.

Natural menopause usually occurs when there are no periods for 12 consecutive months, but some women may experience premature menopause due to medical reasons, such as chemotherapy or surgery such as removal of the ovaries.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat menopause symptoms

One of the most common methods for treating symptoms associated with menopause is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT involves giving the body a dose of estrogen, either alone or in combination with progesterone, to relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.

Research suggests that if HRT is used early, it may reduce the risk of bone weakness and fracture, and may also be beneficial for heart health. For women who are seriously affected by menopause symptoms, HRT can improve quality of life and everyday activities.

Types of (HRT): Estrogen therapy and combination therapy

There are two main types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT): estrogen therapy and combination therapy. Estrogen therapy involves giving only estrogen, usually in low doses, and can be taken as pills, patches, gel, vaginal rings, creams, or sprays. This option is suitable for women who have had a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus).

On the other hand, combination therapy, also called estrogen-progesterone therapy (EPT), involves giving progesterone (or progestin) along with estrogen, which is necessary for women who still have a uterus, as progestin may increase the risk of uterine cancer. Helps reduce the risk of. Combination therapy pills, patches, and sometimeshttps://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/lifestyle/family/can-pregnancy-occur-even-after-iud-insertion-gynecologic-talks-about-the-possibilities-and-reason/articleshow/114684501.cms Also available in. Your health expert will recommend the most appropriate option based on your symptoms and medical history.

Get regular checkups done by doctor

It is also important for women to have access to healthcare professionals who understand their risk factors for heart disease, breast cancer and osteoporosis and can guide them on HRT or other treatments. Regular monitoring is also important during HRT to monitor its effectiveness and manage any potential side effects.

How can women manage the symptoms?

Women can better manage their symptoms of menopause by adopting a healthy lifestyle, dressing in layers to stay cool, using lubricants for vaginal dryness, and taking low-dose supplements for mood-related symptoms. Trying alternative methods such as antidepressants or selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs).

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Why women should be given hormone replacement therapy during menopause, know everything from experts