According
to Ayurveda menopause is a natural transition, which every woman
experiences in her life. It is the ending of a woman's monthly menstrual
periods and ovulation. It also signals other changes to the body and
mind, brought on in part because the body begins producing lesser
amounts of the hormones estrogen and progesterone (among others).
Menopause is not a disease. It is a natural process in a woman's life.
Menopause is a natural hormone (estrogen) deficient state that occurs at
the age of 45-55 years. Ayurveda associates menopause with aging. Aging
is a 'Vata' predominant stage of life. Thus, the symptoms of menopause
experienced by some women are similar to the symptoms seen when the Vata
dosha rises and upsets the normal balance of the body. There are
different types of menopause. They are as follows:
Each type has different symptoms like the Vata-type
menopausal symptoms tend to include depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Menopause may also manifest itself as a rise in the other two humors
also. Women with Pitta-type symptoms are often angry and suffer hot
flashes. Kapha type symptoms include listlessness, weight gain, and
feelings of mental and physical heaviness. The type of treatment depends
upon the dosha in which the woman's menopausal symptoms are manifesting.
Most of the women are unaware of the right kind of treatment, diet,
nutritional supplements, and exercise, which should be done during this
period. With proper guidance and simple lifestyle changes they can
easily avoid most of the unpleasant side effects of menopause to a great
extent. Various Ayurvedic herbs can be used during the period to
strengthen and rejuvenate the female reproductive system along with
herbs to regulate the hormones and calm the emotions. Many herbs, which
rejuvenate and tone the female reproductive system, are also helpful
Aloe gel, Shatavari, Saffron, Kapikacchu, Ashwagandha, taken in milk
decoctions, if possible, or in their different preparations like
Shatavari compound. Aloe gel is specific for maintaining the
youthfulness of the female reproductive organs. Chyavanprash is useful
here for its general rejuvenating effect.
Some of the common symptoms of menopause are as follows:
