Every stage in a woman’s life is special, right from the moment she is born, to entering adolescence, displaying a vibrant youth, celebrating motherhood, and yes, even the advanced mid-life periods and old age. It's not only the exterior features that prominently change as females grow older. Numerous modifications occur internally within the system as well, giving rise to indications of body pain, hot flashes, hormonal alterations, etc.
Menopause is a natural process that is associated with ageing. However, sometimes, women experience the symptoms of menopause at a very early age, which can lead to several complications in their life.
The causes of premature menopause can be classified into two categories – medical and lifestyle-related factors.
Estrogen is stored in the fat tissues of the body. Women who are very thin have less estrogen stored and, there, at higher risk of getting premature menopause.
The symptoms of premature menopause include irregular / missed periods with a heavier or lighter flow than usual. Women may experience hot flashes, vaginal dryness, weight gain, bladder irritability, loss of bladder control, sleeplessness, dry skin, eyes, or mouth, and decreased sex drive. Premature menopause also triggers an emotional response among women, which could include mild depression, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, and listlessness.
The climacteric syndrome involves a variety of symptoms such as profuse sweating, insomnia, memory loss, decreased sexual drives, joint aches, and anxiety. However, amongst these symptoms, hot flashes and sweats are generally considered the hallmark and result in the majority of the medical consultations for this condition.
It's found in the ideal setting of clinical trials, with optimal patient selection and compliance, estrogen therapy reduces hot flashes by about 70-80%; However, estrogen is unable to be universally used, either because of contraindications or because of an unwillingness of women to take it. Furthermore, hot flashes may persist in spite of adequate estrogen replacement,
Phytotherapeutic extracts are very popular Preparations containing isoflavones, such as soy extract and red clover or extracts from evening primrose or cimicifuga (black cohosh, Actaea racemosa, syn. Cimicifuga racemosa), in variable doses are very popular for the treatment of hot flashes. The scientific support for their efficacy certainly does not equal their popularity.
Non-hormonal treatments for menopause are not as effective as estrogens in relieving hot flashes but may have a role in therapy for women who have contraindications.