Amidst other stress
syndromes Common with the female sex, Menopause is yet another issue that has engaged the worry of most average and well-thought ladies.
The ceasation of ovarian function, stopping of the menstrual cycle and the end of the reproductive years, Menopause is a natural event in a woman’s life. It usually occurs between the ages of 42-55.  The average age is about 50 and the transition is generally up to five years.
While this is occurring, there tends to be a hormone starvation, since menopause usually results from a decreased production of the female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) Particularly, the estrogen, which the reduced supply increases the possibility of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and vaginal atrophy.
Natural Remedies Encyclopedia, sixth edition, reveals that menopause comes along with insomnia, hot flashes, irritability, backaches, disturbances in calcium metabolism, dizziness, mental instability, bladder problems, headaces, dryness and aging of the skin, shortness of breath and heart palpitations.  Some women however, have almost no symptom at all, other than the absence of menses.
With all its accompanied experiences, most of which are unpleasant and even undesirable, the average woman deploys every tool within her reach to avoid the stresses as they not only drastically reduces her value to her man but affect her general output to the economic barn of the family as the years roll on.
Although it could be termed an age of younger-aged marriages, there are yet ladies who do not get married until the ages of 35-40.  Such, so close to the menopausal age, it is wonder then the worth or relevance of such women in their matrimonial homes in the nearest years. Another tool then for infidelity, complex, anxiety and fears in most marriages today.
As natural as it is, the woman, not being able to change the situation, rationally endures it.  Unfortunately, most menopause don’t proceed normally, but accompanies even more dreadful symptoms, leaving the woman restless and susceptible to more external health influences.  However, when it does proceeds normally, the adrenals and liver increase their output of female hormones, mating up the difference from the lost ovarian function.
According to a Director in the State Civil Service, “(menopause is  entirely another phase of life for the woman.  Ordinarily, the woman feels that she would have her body back in her hands having been through with childbearing.  But no.  The stress is sometimes so much that you wonder if your problem is more than a medical health issue”.
Nonetheless, as part of measures to keep the woman  a little free from the stress of the time (menopausal age), it has become popular to take estrogen supplements to prevent or postpone menopausal symptoms.  But, it should be noted that there is an increased risk of cancer when this is done unwisely.
While it is recommended that oral estrogen should not be accompanied by progesterone because of its high risk of cancer particularly of the uterus and breast, synthetic, not natural estrogens are given in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).  These tend to accumulate in the body and can also cause metabolic changes in the liver which can lead to high blood pressure, fluid retention and blood clots.
But, natural estrogens are available one of which is the equine estrogen. Extracted from the urine of pregnant mares, it is very powerful and may also cause some changes in the liver to the extent that smokers, obessed women with high blood pressure and cholesterol or varicose veins are advised against it. Somewhat safer estrogens are Estropipate (Ogen) and Estradiol.
These are all metabolised  more easily by the body but only the smallest possible dose should be used and taken every other day.
Estrogen is the popular female sex hormone and most wanted for the proper functioning of the woman, thus, even desired to be replaced at menopause. Recent studies is proving that it is even more important to replace the lessened progesterone than that of estrogen.  Natural progesterone-like creams (from the herb, wild yam, which contains diosgenin) provide a simplified way to do this and so many women have been helped by doing so.
Apart from the broadened HRT which can be expensive and sometimes cumbersome except for the average and learned woman, there are other simplified means of coping with the stresses with less expense.  Unfortunately, ignorance has caused a lot of sufferings among women mostly of the lower class which this edition is focused on alleviating.
Simply put, there are some simple ways of living a somewhat stress free. Menopausal life:·Raw fruits and vegetable juices, brewer’s yeast, lecithin and cold-pressed vegetable oils are needed in the system.  The diet should be at least 50 percent raw food.·If estrogen (hormone replacement) therapy is begun, take vitamin E several hours earlier or later and not at the same time. Taking it up to 1,200 IU is especially important during this time.    ·In addition, generous amounts of vitamins B6 (500mg) B12 (1000mg), Vitamin C(1000mg) and folic acid (5mg) will make the estrogen therapy more effective, especially as Vitamin C works with bioflavonoids to maintain capillary strength.
·It is very important that sufficient calcium (4000mg) be taken to maintain a proper calcium-phosphorus balance.  As menopause sets in, the woman lacks enough calcium in the body due to the lessened estrogen; thus, it becomes important that calcium supplement be taken henceforth.·An increase in protein and reduction in carbohydrates is recommended at this time. Maintain an adequate intake of Vitamin D (1000 IU), Iron (50mg) and magnesium (1000 mg). Do not use alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, sugar, hot soups or drinks. They make the emotions to swing worse and the blood more acidic.  This causes the bones to release extra calcium to balance the blood PH and weaken the bones if extra calcium is taken.·
Substitute garlic & onion powder for salt. Consuming salt increases urinary excretion of calcium.·Drink plenty of water each day to avoid drying of the skin mucous membranes.·Avoid mental and emotional stress and worry.   Always be happy with yourself no matter what.·Get plenty of outdoor exercise and sufficient rest. A lack of exercise weakens the body density. ·Endeavour to be calm and relaxed.  Only do one thing at a time and avoid becoming anxious.
·In all, proper diet, nutritional supplements, exercise and adequate rest can minimize the effects of menopause.

Lady Godknows Ogbelu

Christian Association of Nigeria (Can) women’s wing entertaining at the farewell for intending Christian pilgrims to Israel.
Photo: NAN