Can Menopause Be Cause Of Women’s Death Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, characterized by the gradual decline in estrogen and progesterone production, leading to changes in menstrual patterns. Technically, menopause commences after 12 consecutive months without menstruation, signaling the end of reproductive years. A survey conducted by IMS across India found that the average age of menopause among Indian women is 46.2 years, occurring about five years earlier than in Western countries. It was projected that by 2015, approximately 130 million Indian women would have experienced menopause. Given the current life expectancy and the average age of menopause, Indian women are expected to live around 24 years post-menopause.
Menopause induces significant physiological changes in women, manifesting in symptoms such as hot flashes and sweating (65%), insomnia (45%), vaginal dryness and atrophy (45%), dyspareunia (20%), urinary incontinence (30-40%), joint and back pain (45-60%), mood swings (60%), diminished memory and concentration (40%), and heightened risk of depression and anxiety (20-60%). These symptoms collectively diminish the quality of life (QoL). For some women, menopause occurs prematurely, extending over several years and often accompanied by a reduced QoL. Additionally, early menopause heightens the susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases. Lifestyle factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, autoimmune disorders such as thyroid dysfunction, and exposure to radiation or chemotherapy are commonly associated with early-onset menopause.
In addition to the physical challenges, menopause can exert detrimental effects across various domains of life. It not only influences emotional well-being but also hampers workplace productivity, with 45 percent of women reporting struggles in this regard. Furthermore, 33 percent of menopausal women perceive a decline in their social engagement, while 55 percent indicate a diminished enjoyment of their marital relationships.
Women experiencing premature menopause face a twofold increase in the risk of coronary heart disease compared to those with later menopause onset, along with a heightened susceptibility to developing type 2 diabetes. Dr. Meeta Singh, Consultant Gynecologist and former IMS President at Tanveer Hospital (Hyderabad), emphasizes the critical need for comprehensive care for women undergoing premature menopause. Early screening for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and osteoporosis is imperative. Despite their younger age, 81 percent of postmenopausal women exhibit low bone mineral density (BMD), attributable to decreased estrogen levels, consequently elevating the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
During the menopausal stage, it is important for a woman to talk to her doctor about the symptoms and find out better ways to improve the quality of life. Dr. Singh says that even though women in India are talking openly today, they still hesitate to talk about personal issues and problems like depression, vaginal dryness, or inability to have sex. Along with this, many women even today do not give priority to their health.
They often hide their problems and remain suffocated within themselves. It is important to talk openly and clearly with the doctor about the symptoms and treatment options of menopause. Make changes in your diet as per your doctor’s advice. Choose an exercise routine and therapy that best suits your menopausal symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences. This will ensure a smooth transition into the post-menopausal phase.
Currently, there are both non-hormonal therapy and menopause hormonal therapy (MHT) options, but non-hormonal therapy is more commonly prescribed across the country. This is because it has an effective effect on most patients. It has been scientifically proven that MHT has many benefits, including improving symptoms like hot flashes, sleeping problems, mood swings, and painful sex. ‘MHT’ also reduces the risk of osteoporosis and CVD, especially in women who undergo premature menopause. Women can keep menopause symptoms at bay by maintaining normal estrogen and progesterone levels through supplements.
