According to WHO, Perimenopause is the period immediately before menopause (when the endocrine and biological and clinical features of approaching menopause begin) and the first year after menopause.
It shows decline in ovarian function, cycles become irregular due to hormonal changes, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings and irritability. Duration will be 4 to 8 years.
INTEGRATIVE APPROACH:
- AYURVEDA
Panchakarma: It helps in detoxification, removes endotoxins from body.
Abhyanga (oil massage) and swedana (herbal steam) which relieves muscle tension and stress. It improves blood circulation.
Shirodhara balances the hormonal fluctuations, calms down nervous system and gives a sense of relaxation.
Basti helps to regularize hormonal levels and pacifies Vata.
- Naturopathy
Dietary Therapy: It works on enhancing body’s natural healing power and food includes vegetable, fruits, sprouts, nuts and seeds. Fasting, mono-diet and satiwik diet helps to maintain hormonal balance.
Mud therapy: It helps to regulate hormonal gland and relieves hot flashes. Improves blood circulation.
Acupuncture: It modulates neuroendocrine system, reduces cramps during menstrual flow, improves blood circulation and reduces mental irritability.
- Yoga
Yoga calms down nervous system improves emotional stability. It relieves physical discomfort and balances endocrine. It reduces pelvic muscles tension and helps with strengthening, relieves anxiety and promotes sound sleep.
CHOOSE INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE FOR PERIMENOPAUSE:
Integrative medicine is holistic healing approach, combines evidence based ancient medicine like Ayurveda, Naturopathy and yoga. It focuses on root cause of disease rather than symptom appearance. It aids body and mind detoxification and improves vitality.
It regulates hormonal imbalances, strengthens pelvic muscles, enhance circulation and prevents weight gain. It slow down aging process, promotes emotional stability and life acceptance during life transition.
HERBAL REMEDIES:
Shatavari (Asparagus racemases): It rejuvenates tissue, induce slow ageing improves vital force (vitality) and hormonal regulation.
Ashoka (Saraca asoca): It acts as uterine tonic, relieves cramps during menstrual flow.
Guduchi (Tinospora cardifolia): It is cooling and rejuvenating in nature helps to reduce hot flashes and regulates hormones.
Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra): It regulates adrenal functions and reduces levels of stress hormones.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): It is a memory enhancer reduce forgetfulness and irritability hence calms down mind.
Amlaki (Emblica officinalis): It regulates metabolism and improves digestion.
DIET AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES:
Diet:
Balanced diet rich in phytoestrogen rich foods (flax seeds, lentils, sesame seeds) mimic estrogen, Omega 3 fatty acid rich foods (chia seeds, flax seed oil, walnuts) reduces hot flashes and mood swings, proteins (legumes, nuts) maintain muscle mass and regulates metabolism.
Focus on fiber rich foods like whole grain, vegetables and fruits. Magnesium rich food (Avocado, pumpkin seeds, spinach) calms nervous system, vitamin B rich food (banana, whole grains) improve mood and reduce fatigue, Calcium rich food (Almond, curd, ragi) reduces bone resorption and joint pain.
Lifestyle changes:
Waking up early before sunrise and maintaining personal hygiene. Maintain regular sleep pattern of 7 to 8 hours. Regular exercise strengthens and tones muscles. Pranayama and meditation calms mind and reduce stress.
CASE STUDY
A 52-year-old female came to VHG with the complaint of irregular menstruation since 3 years associated with hot flashes, irritability, anger issues and sleeplessness.
Patient had digestive issues like constipation, acidity and bloating. She also gained weight of 12kg from past 3 years.
Treatment:
Patient underwent Acupuncture treatment and Ardanga Abhyanga for first 7 days. Ekanga udvartana with nadisweda and Nasya for next 7 days followed by Yoga therapy for 5 days. She was further advised to continue the yoga practice and oral medications.
Post treatment:
A followed up after 3 months from the first day of intervention showed that the patient was feeling better with her symptoms after undergoing the treatments. She noticed that she is able to do her work with no anger, calmness even at her worst situation and being happy with her effective results. She also lost her body weight by 6kgs. She is doing yoga regularly and following the diet advice with continuation of Abhyanga and Acupuncture once in 15 days for 3 months.
Conclusion:
Integrated approach of Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Yoga therapy and specific diet helped the patient to tackle her perimenopause issues and improved the quality of life.