4 of the Most Common Questions About Menopause

Women may tend to greet menopause with a rainbow of emotions, each unique to its own. There may be anxiety about getting older or anxiousness about the experiences that lay ahead physically as well as emotionally. To give you a heads up, menopause is unlike anything you’ve felt before and the transition can last for several years.

We got together a few questions that women have when they start experiencing menopause. Here are the top four questions and their answers.

Question 1. Do I need hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? When should I start it?

Most women are either eager to start hormone therapy to ease their hot flashes or are already wary of it because of what they may have read online. With regards to HRT, there is a lot of information that indicates its negatives of it like the risks of heart attack, breast cancer, and more. However, a study in 2002 raised some concerns about these risks being limited when the study looked at a unique population of older women. HRT is generally a safe option for women going through menopause in their 50s and younger.

However, most physicians in the UAE recommend women try other methods first, especially for hot flashes like dressing in layers, carrying a portable fan, sipping cold drinks, or trying natural hormone replacement supplements like Remifemin and Promensil. A few habits like avoiding foods and drinks that can trigger hot flashes, such as alcohol and caffeine. Quitting smoking and adopting a healthy lifestyle like meditation and regular exercises make the symptoms of menopause less bothersome.

It's infrequent that these conservative measures and lifestyle changes don’t work and that is when hormone therapy is usually considered. Certain types of antidepressants also can help with hot flashes a good option is a natural antidepressant made of 9 active ingredients Calmvalera.

Question 2. Should I take nutritional supplements to manage the symptoms of menopause? If so which supplements should I take on a daily basis?

Usually, a healthy diet that consists of lots of veggies and fruit, lean protein, legumes and beans, healthy fats, and carbs is one of the best ways to manage your nutritional needs which in turn manages hormones and minimizes menopausal symptoms. But sometimes deficient nutrients don’t meet the nutritional needs of the body, and that's when supplements come in place. Vitamin supplements if deficient in the body, can create deficiencies that will trigger a lot of health issues related to age apart from menopause symptoms.

With age, our demands of the body vary, a woman going through menopause may need more of some things (protein and calcium) and less of others (iron and folic acid).

Here are 10 key nutrients you may need and suggested supplements that will benefit you. Always remember when you’re eating right and taking appropriate supplements, you’ll feel more like you’re thriving, instead of battling through this transition stage of life.

1. Magnesium - Bioglan Active Magnesium

2. Vitamin B6 and B12 - Vitabalans BMax

3. Vitamin C and Zinc - Vitabalans CMax

4. Calcium and Vitamin D - Vitabalans Calci Strong

5. Omega 3 - Bioglan Super Fish Oil

6. Probiotics - Bioglan Ultimate Flora Gummies and Capsules

7. Turmeric - Bioglan Active Curcumin Gummies and Tablets

Question 3. Do I really need to visit the Doctor as soon as I get menopause?

Meeting a Doctor, especially an Ob/Gynae is important annually regardless of age. Birth control or prenatal care may not be needed, but Ob/Gynae advice is not limited to the time till you get your period. In fact, they advise the full range of women’s health care including which supplements to take and which hormone therapy to use. From screening for cancer to discussing concerns about sex and urinary incontinence, the annual check-up can cover all aspects of your reproductive health.

Question 4. How important is it to get a PAP test and Mammograms during and after menopause?

It is very important to get a PAP Test and a Mammogram during and even after Menopause. It is recommended to continue with Pap tests until the age of 65 unless there is a risk factor for cervical cancer. Women who have hysterectomies also still need regular screening.

With mammograms, most women are at low risk of breast cancer by the age of 75.

In both cases, consult your ob-gyn and share information with them, talk about your symptoms and decide on when and how often you would require screening.

Our bodies go through a lot during menopause and there is a lot to learn about this new phase of your life. It's highly recommended to turn to your ob-gyn with questions and don’t overlook the value of talking with your female tribe of your mom, sisters, and friends who have “been there” always.

Rest assured, menopause is just another phase of your life, as natural as any other phase. Always keep open communication, address any concerns you may have about your symptoms, and get the help you may need.