Ayurvedic way to tackle menopause

As of July 2003, around 10 million women in the U.S. were taking some form of hormone therapy.

Hormone therapy for treatment of post-menopausal symptoms came under a cloud when a U.S. study linked it to increased risks of stroke, clotting of blood vessels and cancer.

The Food and Drug Administration cautioned post-menopausal women to weigh benefits and risks of hormone therapy before choosing treatment. The FDA also advised healthcare providers to use the lowest dose of hormones for the shortest possible duration.

There may be conflicting signals on hormone therapy for post-menopausal symptoms, but Ayurveda has a time tested approach to the problem.

Ayurveda regards menopausal symptoms as imbalances of `doshas' (`pitha', `vata' and `kapha'), which occur as a consequence of ageing.

Menopause should be a smooth experience for every woman where it should be regarded as just cessation of the menstrual flow.

Ayurveda has excellent solutions for a safe and happy menopause. There are several preparations that can be taken by women who are nearing the age of menopause and remain symptom-free.

Ayurvedic treatment involves correcting the imbalance by making use of a diet rich in phyto oestrogens and medications and internal detoxification.

These drugs are called Rasayanas (rejuvenators) that act on the whole body, especially the brain cells and uterus (garbhashaya utthejaka-uterine rejuvenators).

Asokarishtam, Balarishtam, Chandanasavam, Shankha bhasma (a natural calcium supplement), Satavari lehyam, Ashwagandha rasayanam, Brahmi ghritam(ghee), Triphala choornam can be taken according to the `prakriti' (body constitution).

A competent Ayurveda physician can help you select the appropriate remedies based on your constitution.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies: Lifestyle Changes and Menopause

Women in their late 40s and early 50s face a lot of physical and psychological disturbances during cessation of their menstrual process. Some physical symptoms include hot flashes, sudden onset of sweating, sensation of heat throughout the body etc. Coupled with this is the risk of postmenopausal weight gain.

To tackle this condition and to effect a smooth transition to the postmenopausal stage Ayurveda suggests some lifestyle changes. Ayurveda regards menopause as imbalance of doshas. Its recommendations include consumption of fresh fruits and leafy vegetables and reduction of intake of hot and sour foods. An exercise regimen consisting of brisk walking in open space for 30 minutes is recommended. Meditation and prayer can help to calm the mind and provide the much needed psychological support.

To neutralize the hormonal imbalance, chandraprabha gulika is taken three times every day after food both morning and night. This preparation is available in two forms, the conventional small peppercorn sized balls and the modern tablets. In case of tablets, two of them can be taken. The conventional balls should be taken after soaking them in a few drops of milk and squishing them to a paste. To complement this, Chandanaasavam and usirasaavam are mixed together and 50 ml of this combination is taken after food both in the mornings and evenings. Application of pinda thailam once or twice a week can take care of body aches and hot flashes. Women who are in the throes of menopause can follow this regimen, even if they do not experience the symptoms mentioned above.

Observation of some dietary restrictions helps in preventing weight gain in postmenopausal women. Intake of sugar, carbohydrate and milk should be reduced to the minimum. Daytime nap is a strict no, no. The importance of consumption of fruits and leafy vegetables cannot be stressed enough. Adequate water intake is also necessary in flushing out waste products from the body.

Some of the ayurveda preparations that can help women facing menopause are asokarishtam, triphala choornam, satavari lehyam, balarishtam etc. These are some of the safer alternatives to the risky hormone replacement therapy recommended to menopausal women by the conventional system.