Every woman has a period in her life when she ovulates and can bear children. It is called the reproductive period. On average, it spans from 15 to 45 years of age. During this period, the reproductive organs – ‘ovaries’ are active, and they go through a cycle every month to produce eggs, which is medically known as ovulation. The number of cycles of ovulation is genetically determined right at a very young age and after that, there is a cessation of ovarian function. Practically, the periods stop after that, and this can be confirmed by a simple blood test. This is termed as menopause, a pause for your menses. The main physiological change is the stoppage of secretion of the estrogen hormone, the key hormone that drives the female reproductive functions.
Ovaries being a very sensitive organ, this process of attaining menopause may be accelerated by injury to the ovaries in any form. Food containing high amounts of chemicals/adulterants, radiation to that area for any cancer treatment, surgery in the pelvis, and chromosomal abnormalities can accelerate the onset of menopause by a few years.
Problems Associated with Menopause
1. Cessation of menses – Your monthly menstrual cycles initially become erratic and then gradually taper off.
2. Hot flushes – Instability in the body heat regulating mechanism due to altered hormones in the body.
3. Mood changes – Estrogen has an effect on the brain in stabilizing mood and behavior. Absence of estrogen in the body causes sudden mood swings to either spectrum of behavior.
4. Cardiovascular vulnerability – Estrogen has a cardio-protective effect. Once ovarian function goes down, there is an increased chance of blockage of blood vessels and myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack.
5. Weak bones – The bone density is influenced by the process of body mineralization where estrogen has a positive influence. Once there is a fall in estrogen, the bones become less dense and hollow, leading to a condition called osteoporosis.
These are the main changes one can perceive, albeit many minor changes in the body functioning.
How to Prevent and Adapt
A healthy, active, well-balanced lifestyle helps you to adapt to the process of menopause better. A diet rich in green leafy vegetables, grains, and fruits provides the body with essential minerals and micronutrients to keep the hormonal profile as near normal as possible. If due care is taken to ensure the intake of organic, chemical-free, and unadulterated ingredients, the ovarian life can be extended. Regular exercise keeps the heart and skeletal system healthy; hence, the impact of a fall in estrogen can be minimized.
In addition to the above, one may supplement their diet with natural estrogen-rich foods such as soybean and soy milk.