Menopause is a natural transition every woman has to go through. It’s the stage in their lives when they no longer have the capability to reproduce and the production of estrogen and progesterone from their ovaries has slowed down. These two hormones are essential for sexual and reproductive health or pregnancy.
Research suggests that the average menopausal age in Asian countries is around 45-55 while it’s 51 in the United States.
There are three stages in this transition: perimenopausal (slightly experiencing symptoms of menopause, but you can still have menstruation from time to time); menopausal (not having menstruation for 12 months and the symptoms are present); post-menopausal (after menopause).
Symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, anxiety or stress, sleeping problems, difficulty during sexual intercourse, reduction in libido, night sweats, and slow in metabolism resulting in weight gain.
According to Ayurvedic Medicine, menopause is where the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, in a female’s body are at its peak. It’s a transition from Pitta to the Vata stage, and though a Vata predominant, it’s still important for the Pitta and Kapha doshas to be in balance.
For women to have a smooth transition into this golden age in their lives, they have to incorporate healthy activities in their daily routine including their diet, intake of herbs, and their lifestyle choices in general.
First, a healthy Vata-pacifying diet is a must. Have well-cooked and warm meals. Also, prefer foods that are sweet. On the other hand, avoid eating raw salads, dry foods like crackers, and cold food.
Foods like soybeans, tofu (moderate), whole grains, sprouted grains, and beans like mung beans, alfalfa, brown chickpeas, and oats are a good addition to your diet. These will suffice the estrogen deficiency in the body.
Herbs intake is also a good way to aid your body in going through this stage.
One of these is the Shatavari which is also known as Asparagus Racemosus. This supports the female health from menarche to menopause, conception to postpartum, and any hormonal imbalances or issues in between.
“It’s been used for centuries to help women with their reproductive health, restore and balance hormones, increase libido, fight fatigue, treat PMS and menopausal symptoms, support the healthy production of breast milk, strengthen the immune system, and improve digestive health,” says Cecilia Lacayo, MD, a physician at the Bio Station in Delray Beach and Miami Florida.
For a smooth transition on the perimenopausal and menopausal stage, you can use Shatavari, Ashok, Arjun, Sandalwood, Coral, Primrose, Amla, and Punarnaya.
This unique formula can relieve hot flashes, night sweats, supports the nervous system, good for your reproductive health, and aids your transition.
You also have to be more mindful of your daily activities and lifestyle choices. Make sure that you are acquiring enough amount of sleep at night to morning, it’s advisable to sleep before 10 PM and wake up before 6 AM.
Doing yoga to strengthen your lower body, specifically targeting hip opening is also helpful. A minute of yoga and movement every day can help make your bones stronger and maintain a healthy heart rate.
Aside from the physical changes, you may also experience some mentally-related issues. You might feel more anxious and stressed because of some hormonal imbalances and thoughts associated with getting old. Breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation can help you in having a balanced nervous system and for you to get calm and collect your thoughts and emotions properly.
Menopause is not a disease, but it surely disturbed every women’s ‘ease,’ have a proper self-care and preparedness so you can fly gracefully like a butterfly again while enjoying your ‘cocooned’ time with this Ayurvedic guide.
https://holisticayurveda.ca/bloom-beyond-your-40s-ayurveda-on-menopause/