every woman goes through a phase menopause Where the ovaries stop producing hormones and menstruation stops before the normal age. The normal age of menopause is 50 years. Early menopause can have many causes, including medical causes, such as when both ovaries are removed in a hysterectomy. quickly and premature menopause There may be similar reasons. The only difference is at what age it can happen. Menopause that occurs before the age of 45 is called early menopause. Menopause that occurs before the age of 40 is called premature menopause. But what are the symptoms of menopause? How can it affect a woman’s mental and physical health? We contacted Dr. Padmapriya Vivek, Chief Gynecologist, Obstetrician and Infertility Specialist at Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai, who shared her insights on this.

Dr. Padmapriya shares that some women experience no symptoms, while others experience a range of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, irritability, visual disturbances, joint pain, vaginal dryness, numbness And tingling is involved.

“Crisis in the menopausal period emerges mainly from somatic changes (heavy and painful bleeding, sleepless nights, irritability, anxiety, mood swings and frequent headaches). Abnormal vaginal bleeding after menopause is a red flag that should be checked by a doctor,” she said.

Studies have shown that menopause starting after the age of 55 increases a woman’s risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer and uterine cancer. Other studies have also shown that some women who experience early menopause may have an increased risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Therefore, it is ideal for women at that age to get health checkups done from time to time.

Best Treatment Options for Severe Menopause Symptoms

Dr. Padmapriya explains that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most common treatment for menopause symptoms. HRT is most effective for those who have symptoms, although long-term exposure may increase the risk of heart disease and breast cancer. Vaginal estrogen, available as a cream, ring, or tablet, may relieve vaginal dryness and painful sex.

“Even for cancer in perimenopausal or menopausal women, there are treatment options available. One of them is robotic-assisted surgery (RAS). With their precision and minimally invasive approach, advanced robotic technologies like da Vinci allow surgeons to perform complex procedures with smaller incisions, resulting in less blood loss, less pain, and faster recovery times. In cases of uterine, ovarian and endometrial cancer, it facilitates precise removal of cancerous tissues and lymph nodes, improving outcomes while reducing complications. Additionally, this technique allows better visualization of hard-to-reach areas, ensuring effective removal of affected tissues without damaging surrounding healthy tissues. This advanced technology not only enhances surgical precision but also provides patients with quicker recovery, fewer complications and improved overall quality of life,” she said.

Are more women getting closer to dealing with menopause than ever before?

Menopause and menopause (first period cycle) are taboo and rarely discussed in Indian society. But times are changing, and more and more women are seeking medical help to better manage their menopause. Dr. Padmapriya shares that even though menopause is a universal condition that women experience, doctors have to treat each woman’s case individually because menopause symptoms vary widely among women because of their estrogen levels. The level decreases.

Uterine prolapse is common and requires repair which can be effectively managed with robotics. Postmenopausal bleeding without lethal or borderline malignancy can be effectively operated through robotic-assisted surgery.

Women with early or premature menopause have lower estrogen levels, which can increase the risk of developing conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and weight gain. Other health problems include cognitive impairment, dementia, parkinsonism, glaucoma, mood disorders and sexual dysfunction. Early menopause may increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

“Since early menopause can hinder a woman’s ability to conceive and give birth to a child, it can also lead to mental health issues, which may require psychological intervention,” explains Dr. Padmapriya.

“Many Indian women experience menopausal crisis more intensely due to negative life events and lack of support, often leaving them unable to share their struggles. Those who do not have a strong support system are more likely to suffer silently, especially due to social taboos associated with menstruation and menopause. However, many women also feel relief at the end of menstruation, freed from the physical burden of managing heavy and painful periods, which can be especially challenging as they age,” she shares. For rural and some urban women, menopause also frees them from social restrictions, such as restrictions on entering sacred places or participating in rituals.

What role do diet and fitness play in managing menopause symptoms?

According to Dr. Padmapriya, a healthy lifestyle including nutritional supplementation, regular exercise, adequate sunlight intake and adequate sleep is essential for all women experiencing menopause symptoms. Simple lifestyle changes, such as sleeping in a cooler room, using a fan, avoiding smoking, caffeine and alcohol, and practicing deep breathing during hot flashes may also provide relief. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables also helps manage menopause symptoms.

“Smoking has a significant impact on menopause, with smokers usually experiencing it about two years earlier. Postmenopausal women often have to face co-occurring conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, chronic migraine and hypertension,” shares Dr Padmapriya.

Family members can play a supportive role in the life of a woman going through menopause. “They can first learn/read more about the condition, ask relevant questions of the woman or her healthcare provider, listen when given input, help select the best treatment options, compassionately Can listen and be receptive to his needs. Communication is important, and anyone going through menopause will appreciate their family’s efforts to help them cope,” said Dr Padmapriya.

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