Menopause is the permanent cassation of menstruation. It is a “transition” from reproductive to non-reproductive stage in a woman’s life. Ayurveda considers it as a part of natural process of aging (Jara). The average age of menopause is mentioned as 50 years as per Ayurvedic classics. When it occurs at the expected time, it is a part of normal physiology. Thus, supportive measures are advised for maintaining the health and quality of life. But when it occurs earlier than the expected time, it should be treated as a disease itself. It is considered under the category of “natural diseases” (Swabhavika Vyadhi) in Ayurveda.

Contemporary research studies indicate that the incidence of menopause increases rapidly after the age of 41 years. An early age of menopause predisposes a woman to chronic health hazards like hypertension (39.60%), cardiovascular disease (38.00%), and metabolic syndrome (64%). The hormonal and behavioural changes that occur during the menopausal transition period also deserve high demand for special health care. It is associated with distressing physical, psychological, vasomotor and sexual symptoms which degrade the quality of life of a woman. Hormonal replacement Therapy (HRT) is not the ultimate solution for this troublesome condition.

Ayurveda provides you an ample of options to deal with menopause. It emphasizes on protection of your body from early degenerative changes by following proper daily and seasonal regimen along with the rejuvenation therapy called “Rasayana”. Proper administration of Rasayana therapy can prevent the early onset of menopause and also improve the quality of your life by reducing the severity of symptoms like hot flushes, excessive sweating, unusual tiredness, psychological upset, mood swings, decreased libido, genito-urinary symptoms etc. Rasayana can also help you to prevent the complications of menopause like osteoporosis, cardio-vascular diseases, dementia, depression etc. The Ayurvedic treatment for peri-menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms include proper dietary and life style modifications, Rasayana therapy in the form of oral medication, treatment procedures like Basti(medicated enema), Nasya(nasal medication), Shirodhara, topical applications in vagina for uro-genital symptoms, oil massage and sudation techniques for musculoskeletal symptoms, etc. The integrated approach of Ayurveda with Yoga and Music therapy also has shown promising results in improving the comprehensive health of menopausal women.

Let us make a deliberation that menopause never be a pause to your Celebrations…!

Dr. Anagha Sivanandan BAMS, M.S.(Ayu.), Ph.D.(Ayu.)

Consultant Gynaecologist

Ayufy