Menopause in Ayurveda | The Ayurvedic Perspective & Treatment
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and can bring about various physical and emotional changes due to hormonal fluctuations. While menopause is a natural transition, it can also bring about a range of symptoms, collectively known as pre and post-menopause syndrome.
Menopause in Ayurveda is seen as a normal part of a woman's life cycle and can be managed effectively through proper diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies. Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that originated in India over 5000 years ago and has been used for centuries to treat a range of health conditions.
Pre-Menopause Syndrome
Pre-menopause syndrome refers to the symptoms that women experience in the years leading up to menopause when their estrogen levels begin to decline. These symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irritability, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and vaginal dryness. The chances of confusion between these symptoms and otherwomen's diseases are high. Expert advice is recommended in such conditions.
As per Menopause in Ayurveda, the pre-menopause syndrome is caused by an imbalance in the doshas or the fundamental energies that govern all physical and mental processes. The three doshas are vata, pitta, and kapha, and each of them has a unique balance of these energies. During pre-menopause, the vata dosha tends to increase, leading to symptoms such as dryness, anxiety, and insomnia.
To manage pre-menopause syndrome from an Ayurvedic perspective, it is important to balance the vata dosha through dietary and lifestyle modifications. This can include eating warm, nourishing foods such as soups, stews, and cooked vegetables, avoiding cold and raw foods, and practicing stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.
Herbal remedies can also help manage pre-menopause symptoms. Ayurvedic medicine for perimenopause is found to be very effective too. For example, ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that can help balance hormones and reduce stress and anxiety. Shatavari is another herb that can help improve hormonal balance and alleviate vaginal dryness.
Post-Menopause Syndrome
Post-menopause syndrome on the other side refers to the symptoms that women experience after menopause when their estrogen levels have stabilized at a lower level. These symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and a decreased sex drive.
The post-menopause syndrome is also explained as an imbalance in the doshas, specifically an increase in the pitta dosha. Pitta is responsible for the body's metabolic processes, and when it is imbalanced, it can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes and irritability. Menopause in Ayurveda is considered a sensitive transition period that can be managed efficiently in different ways.
In the case of the post-menopause syndrome, the same healthy approach as in the case of Pre- Menopause is recommended here as well. This can include consuming cooling and refreshing foods such as cucumbers, watermelon, and coconut water, avoiding spicy and acidic foods, and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga.
There are also herbal remedies that are proven to help handle the symptoms of post- menopause effectively. Brahmi is a herb that can help improve cognitive function and reduce hot flashes. Menopause in Ayurveda is thus more about understanding the changes in the body and rectifying them without side effects.
Conclusion
Menopause is a natural transition that can bring about a range of physical and emotional changes. While these changes can be difficult to manage, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to managing pre and post-menopause symptoms. With the help of proper diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies, women can alleviate the symptoms of menopause and maintain their overall health and well-being.
Hope you got a clear understanding of Menopause in Ayurveda and the remedies it can offer. Book an appointment right away if you need expert advice on getting Ayurvedic treatment for menopause. Have a good day.