A CYCLE’S END: LET’S TALK ABOUT MENOPAUSE

Time and again, we come to realize how tough life is for women. Be it the first period or the first child birth, a woman’s body goes through so much. Infinite hormonal struggles, physical dysphoria, mental stress, and so much more. But women are strong; we bear everything with a smile on our faces.

 In an average life-cycle of a woman, she experiences menarche (the onset of menstruation), monthly bleeding, childbirth (however, the lack of childbirth doesn’t make anyone any less of the woman they are), and finally, menopause.

 Much like menarche, menopause is also a transitional period for the female body. Just as your body prepares itself for your first period, it also readies itself for the last one.

 For the most part, menopause is completely natural and happens to everybody. Sometimes, due to certain medical procedures like hysterectomies (surgical removal of the uterus) and oophorectomies (surgical removal of the ovaries), menopause can be immediate or sped up.

 The menopause age begins between the ages of 40 and 58, but some can even have an early menopause. For some women, their menopause is a form of liberation.

 So, what exactly is menopause?

 In simple terms, menopause is when the periods finally stop. It is that phase that marks the end of your monthly bleeding days. During period, the body gradually decreases the production of reproductive hormones. You could say you are experiencing menopause when you have not had a period for over twelve months.

 Just as puberty looks different for everyone, menopause also differs from woman to woman. It might be severe for some and a walk in the park for others.

 One might experience various physical and emotional symptoms of menopause, such as:

 Physical Symptoms:

-        Hot flashes,

-        Chills,

-        Night sweats,

-        Sleep problems,

-        Vaginal dryness,

-        Painful sexual intercourse,

-        Fatigue,

-        Weight gain & slowed metabolism,

-       Thinning of skin and hair,

-    Loss in breast fullness,

-    Menopause cramps,

-       Weakening of the bones (Osteoporosis), etc.

 Emotional Symptoms:

-        Sudden mood swings,

-        Anger & irritability,

-        Anxiety,

-        Forgetfulness,

-        Loss of self-esteem and confidence,

-        Depressive thoughts and episodes, etc.

 While you can’t really stop menopause from happening, you can certainly take care of yourself. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, meditation for peace, and proper medical care are the keys to a relatively stress-free menopause. Your body is constantly changing, everything you feel about this is fair, and all your feelings are valid. Just love yourself a little more, and worry not, we’ll be waiting for you on the other side of monthly menstruation!