Menopausal Syndrome

Menopausal Syndrome is a hormonal disorder among women before and after the complete cessation of menstrual cycle due to a fluctuation or decline of female estrogen levels. It is preceded by a series of neurological and psychological symptoms which is also known as perimenopause, affecting women aged between 45 and 55. Chinese medicine states that women of this age group are susceptible to deficiency of the kidney qi , decline of reproductive capability, and imbalance of yin and yang , leading to irregular menstruation before and after menopause. This is accompanied by hot flushes, irritability, and other symptoms.

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• Primary Symptoms

Irregular periods
Menstrual disorders with extended periods or shortening of the menstrual cycle; decline or increase in menstrual discharge; intermittent bleeding or metrorrhagia. There are also cases where women stop menstruating suddenly without any signs.

Hot flushes
A commonsymptom among menopausal women that involves face turning red, and sweating profusely.

Vulval discomfort
Symptoms include dryness and itching of vaginal wall, feeling of intense heat, decreased libido, overactive bladder and urinary incontinence, which increasingly affect sex life.

Skeletal pains
There is often a gradual reduction of bone density after menopause, which may lead to skeletal pains, fractures and even debilitating handicap. As complications increase, the higher the mortality rate. These symptoms generally appear 10 years after menopause.

Emotional changes
Irritability or mood disturbance, depression, insomnia, memory loss and mood swings are common psychological symptoms among menopausal women.

• DIET

Besides medication, one can also make adjustments to diet:

• Sufficient intake of Vitamin B such as wheat, corn, oats, mushrooms, lean meat and milk, chlorophyll and fruits.
  
• Reducing salt intake, consume 3 to 5 g daily, and abstain from stimulating food such as alcohol, coffee, tea and spicy seasonings.
  
• Consume food that calms the senses, such as celery, red dates, hawthorn and sour plums; as well as soybeans and soy products that are rich in proteins.

Article contributed by Physician Liu Qing Ling,Ma Kuang Healthcare Group
She graduated from Tianjin Medical College, formerly worked and further studied in Tianjin College of TCM. Physician Liu specializes in the treatment of respiratory diseases, digestive disease, nervous system diseases and pain-related diseases by using Chineses Medicine, acupuncture and massotherapy.