Menopause - Time to take a reality check
Menopausal Women need Tender Love and Care
What women want
Sonam, a 41 yr young woman was experiencing mood swings, spells of crying, feeling of loneliness, not to mention listlessness, hot flushes, fatigue and irregular sleep patterns. Her immediate family really did not notice the changes as the husband was very busy with his work and the teenage children were busy with their own friends. They did feel that Sonam was getting irritated at the slightest of matter. However that was ignored as Sonam was always a very sensitive person according to them.
Sonam consulted a doctor who diagnosed the situation as premenopausal syndrome and asked her to talk to her family about it. The doctor explained the emotional and the psychological effects thus preparing her for the menopause which may actually take another 7 or 8 yrs or maybe more.
The physiological factor primarily would be that hormonal changes start much before the actual menopause and these changes may increase the production of serotonin, a chemical in the brain connected to depression. That is the reason the mood swings are present. There is a decrease in estrogen level as well.
What are the Psychological impacts of Menopause
There are very few women who consult a doctor for their feelings. Women or individuals in general go to a doctor only if there are physical ailments and generally do not pay attention to the psychological needs.
The Psychological impact does depend upon her mood patterns, her own image about her body, her past sexual experiences and how the near and dear ones connect with her.
Many women associate menopause with loss of fertility and sexuality and that becomes a source of concern and at times obsession for them.
During this period women feel confused and the slightest of stress could become a trigger for a breakdown. This is also a midlife crisis period where the woman is at the peak of her career and feels frustrated when she makes small mistakes or becomes forgetful.
Women also become extremely conscious of their looks and feel as if the age is catching up on them. They want to pay attention to themselves and at the same time do not find the energy to do so and may neglect thus leading to further feeling of loss and worthlessness.
There is a sort of a lacuna experienced as the children are grown up and in spend more and more time away from home, thus leaving the mother especially if she is a housewife feeling lonely. Women who have not had an active social life feel it all the more as now they do not have many people to meet or talk to.
Women also feel that their lives have passed by taking care of the family and they have not made an identity for themselves. They have not utilized their education and want to do something but feel that they would not find the inspiration or support of the family. The conflicts they may have had with the in-laws or family surface now with strong feelings of hurt, remorse, guilt and despair.
The situation could get difficult if there is a also a male menopause experienced by the spouse. Here the question arises whether there is a male menopause?
There is no particular defined age for a male menopause but it is referred to as decline in the androgen (testosterone). It is possible that a man may experience symptoms which are similar to the women menopause however unlike a woman menopause where the hormonal production stops completely, the male hormone decline is very slow.
Tips to go through this Period with a Smile
“Ask and you shall receive”. Women generally have a tendency to keep to themselves and also feel that voicing their feelings means showing their weaknesses. Women are also culturally taught to bear and not let their problems affect the family. Most women go an extra mile to please their families, and are never able to say “no” to their near and dear ones thus leaving no space for themselves and neglect themselves as well.
What women could do
· The best way to deal with the above issues is educate the family regarding the phase and its effect.
· Let them know it is natural to cry or be extra sensitive or react.
· Ask from the family support, affection and love.
· Let them know that there are some things she would not like to continue doing.
· Talk to the spouse about the needs which have been left unfulfilled and are bothering now.
· Talk to the children about taking some of the responsibilities.
· Ask for support understanding and patience from the entire family.
· If you have been waiting for long to join the dance class you always wanted to, take that step.
· If you have been a housewife and want to get involved in community service, now is the time.
· You want to complete that education or learn a new skill. It is never too late.
· Use aroma therapy, practice yoga, get into meditation and walk.
· Pay attention to the body and work on fitness.
· Spend time with nature, reading and music.
What the Family could do
Teenagers often complain that they do not know their mother any longer and she just snaps for no reason at all. She is irritable and angry and argues with the father too.
· Try and understand the physiological and psychological changes your mother is going through
· Listen to her and talk to her for a little while once in a while and let her know you are there for her during this time.
· Help her out to lay the table, and some of the household chores.
· Surprise her sometimes by making for her a cup of tea.
· Once in a while you could go for a walk with her
· Be affectionate and loving and remember she has given all that to you always.
What the husband could do
· Try and understand the physiological and psychological changes your wife is going through
· Encourage her to talk and avoid the advising mode
· Give her your support while visiting the doctor
· Encourage her to take up a new activity however avoid forcing
· Understanding her physical needs and making small efforts to bring a smile would help the ease the process.
· Bring in new life to the physical intimacy by giving her massages and using aroma therapy.
What women want
Sonam, a 41 yr young woman was experiencing mood swings, spells of crying, feeling of loneliness, not to mention listlessness, hot flushes, fatigue and irregular sleep patterns. Her immediate family really did not notice the changes as the husband was very busy with his work and the teenage children were busy with their own friends. They did feel that Sonam was getting irritated at the slightest of matter. However that was ignored as Sonam was always a very sensitive person according to them.
Sonam consulted a doctor who diagnosed the situation as premenopausal syndrome and asked her to talk to her family about it. The doctor explained the emotional and the psychological effects thus preparing her for the menopause which may actually take another 7 or 8 yrs or maybe more.
The physiological factor primarily would be that hormonal changes start much before the actual menopause and these changes may increase the production of serotonin, a chemical in the brain connected to depression. That is the reason the mood swings are present. There is a decrease in estrogen level as well.
What are the Psychological impacts of Menopause
There are very few women who consult a doctor for their feelings. Women or individuals in general go to a doctor only if there are physical ailments and generally do not pay attention to the psychological needs.
The Psychological impact does depend upon her mood patterns, her own image about her body, her past sexual experiences and how the near and dear ones connect with her.
Many women associate menopause with loss of fertility and sexuality and that becomes a source of concern and at times obsession for them.
During this period women feel confused and the slightest of stress could become a trigger for a breakdown. This is also a midlife crisis period where the woman is at the peak of her career and feels frustrated when she makes small mistakes or becomes forgetful.
Women also become extremely conscious of their looks and feel as if the age is catching up on them. They want to pay attention to themselves and at the same time do not find the energy to do so and may neglect thus leading to further feeling of loss and worthlessness.
There is a sort of a lacuna experienced as the children are grown up and in spend more and more time away from home, thus leaving the mother especially if she is a housewife feeling lonely. Women who have not had an active social life feel it all the more as now they do not have many people to meet or talk to.
Women also feel that their lives have passed by taking care of the family and they have not made an identity for themselves. They have not utilized their education and want to do something but feel that they would not find the inspiration or support of the family. The conflicts they may have had with the in-laws or family surface now with strong feelings of hurt, remorse, guilt and despair.
The situation could get difficult if there is a also a male menopause experienced by the spouse. Here the question arises whether there is a male menopause?
There is no particular defined age for a male menopause but it is referred to as decline in the androgen (testosterone). It is possible that a man may experience symptoms which are similar to the women menopause however unlike a woman menopause where the hormonal production stops completely, the male hormone decline is very slow.
Tips to go through this Period with a Smile
“Ask and you shall receive”. Women generally have a tendency to keep to themselves and also feel that voicing their feelings means showing their weaknesses. Women are also culturally taught to bear and not let their problems affect the family. Most women go an extra mile to please their families, and are never able to say “no” to their near and dear ones thus leaving no space for themselves and neglect themselves as well.
What women could do
· The best way to deal with the above issues is educate the family regarding the phase and its effect.
· Let them know it is natural to cry or be extra sensitive or react.
· Ask from the family support, affection and love.
· Let them know that there are some things she would not like to continue doing.
· Talk to the spouse about the needs which have been left unfulfilled and are bothering now.
· Talk to the children about taking some of the responsibilities.
· Ask for support understanding and patience from the entire family.
· If you have been waiting for long to join the dance class you always wanted to, take that step.
· If you have been a housewife and want to get involved in community service, now is the time.
· You want to complete that education or learn a new skill. It is never too late.
· Use aroma therapy, practice yoga, get into meditation and walk.
· Pay attention to the body and work on fitness.
· Spend time with nature, reading and music.
What the Family could do
Teenagers often complain that they do not know their mother any longer and she just snaps for no reason at all. She is irritable and angry and argues with the father too.
· Try and understand the physiological and psychological changes your mother is going through
· Listen to her and talk to her for a little while once in a while and let her know you are there for her during this time.
· Help her out to lay the table, and some of the household chores.
· Surprise her sometimes by making for her a cup of tea.
· Once in a while you could go for a walk with her
· Be affectionate and loving and remember she has given all that to you always.
What the husband could do
· Try and understand the physiological and psychological changes your wife is going through
· Encourage her to talk and avoid the advising mode
· Give her your support while visiting the doctor
· Encourage her to take up a new activity however avoid forcing
· Understanding her physical needs and making small efforts to bring a smile would help the ease the process.
· Bring in new life to the physical intimacy by giving her massages and using aroma therapy.
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