Menopause

Sudden feeling of heat on the face and in the upper body. May also experience flushing of the face, sweating and elevated heartbeat. Relax, avoid spicy foods, and avoid wearing tight clothing or clothing made from unbreathable fabrics (e.g. nylon).

As estrogen levels decline in a woman, her breasts, ovaries and uterus begin to shrink. Her vagina also loses elasticity and she may experience vaginal dryness, which tends to lead to itching and may cause atrophic vaginitis. Vaginal lubricant or estrogen cream can be used to treat this condition and reduce discomfort during sexual intercourse.

As the bladder and pelvic floor muscles weaken, women become more susceptible to incontinence. Some women may experience urine leakage with physical activities such as coughing, running and laughing. Kegel exercises, also known as pelvic floor exercises, can prevent or control urinary incontinence. Seek profesional advice from a Urologist would be recommended.

As women age, estrogen levels decline, aecting calcium absorption and retention, resulting in drop in bone density and potentially leading to osteoporosis. Prevent osteoporosis by regularly performing weight-bearing exercises such as speed walking, jogging, tai chi and yoga, by always maintaining a good posture, by eating a calcium-rich diet (good sources of calcium include milk, cheese, tofu, sardines etc.) and by reducing tea and coee intake.

Menopausal women may experience insomnia, impatience, irritability, emotional instability, anxiety, fatigue, and paranoia. Manage these emotional changes by talking to trusted friends or healthcare professionals or by participating in social activities that help reduce stress.