Right when you hit your mid-40s, you know you have to hit menopause at some point until you hit your mid-50s. But you’re not sure how to navigate the confusion that happens in the middle simply because you don’t understand your body. as you have irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, sleep and bladder problems, and palpitations. Your hormones sway and dance and throw you into conditions you never had, like higher cholesterol levels. This is what is called perimenopause, which means “around menopause.” It refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of your reproductive years.
Women begin their perimenopausal phase at different ages. Typically, changes begin in your 40s, but some women now notice changes in their mid-30s. In fact, various hormonal changes during perimenopause not only affect a woman’s body but mental health as well. Well known Mumbai gynecologist Dr. Nozer Sheriar and macrobiotic nutritionist Shonali Sabherwal have written a book, “Finding your Balance- Your 360° Guide to Perimenopause and Beyond” which addresses perimenopause related issues with a holistic approach in diet, lifestyle and therapeutic solutions. .
Why should a woman worry about her perimenopause?
Dr Nozer Sheriar: Menopause has always been an integral part of women’s lives. With women living longer than has been seen at any time in human history, a third of their lives will be spent in perimenopause. The symptoms associated with perimenopause can disrupt a woman’s personal and professional life. Fortunately, we live in an age where the physiological and hormonal changes associated with menopause have been demystified. So that women can opt for preventable treatments and manage associated problems.
What kind of inquiries do you get from your patients going through perimenopause?
Dr Nozer Sheriar: The symptoms of perimenopause can vary from one individual to another. Some may have a smooth transition, while others may complain of gaining weight despite dieting and watching their diet. However, others may feel inexplicably sad and irritable even with their closest families. I remember how my mother suffered. On bad days, she used three packs of sanitary napkins in a day due to heavy bleeding and clot removal. She complained of severe pain and was also irritable and moody. In addition, we receive many inquiries about cancer, since the chances of developing uterine and ovarian cancer increase after menopause.
Shonali Sabherwal: Symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, palpitations, and even chills are among the earliest and most dramatic symptoms experienced by perimenopausal women.
How can a diet help a woman cope with perimenopause?
Shonali Sabherwal: Everything you do starts with the way you eat. The food you choose affects your gut health, your hormones, and your cardiovascular system. Moderate sugar, avoid an overload of dairy, processed and refined foods. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they weaken the adrenaline glands. Therefore, women should eat right and adopt a healthy lifestyle from the age of 20. This is critical. If women take control of their lives and their medical conditions at an earlier age, they will avoid the difficult journey of perimenopause. You also need to choose the right exercise, mainly focusing on your pelvic health, which is neglected by women. All of this will prepare you for a smooth transition at age 40. No one can delay menopause, but simple interventions early on can help you navigate the bodily changes effortlessly. Remember, today’s women have to deal with lifestyle and environmental stressors, and a little preparation ahead of time could help get you through the valleys.
What motivated you to write the guide on perimenopause?
Dr Nozer Sheriar: The idea to write the book came from Shonali. The reason he struck a chord right away was that unlike several books on pregnancy, fertility, and menopause, there wasn’t one on perimenopause. This is an area that is largely being overlooked by women, society, and medical professionals. So myths and misconceptions abound. We have incorporated many real life patient stories and experiences. Each chapter has two stories.
Using this book as a guide, we hope that women can gain individual benefits as they negotiate life-changing situations.
How is the book different in terms of storytelling?
Dr Nozer Sheriar: The book offers two voices: a medical voice and a nutrition and lifestyle perspective. The first part deals with preparing for menopause so that women can understand their own hormones. The second part deals with medical conditions. We have tried to be more evidence based. And the third part suggests tips, tricks and exercises that women can follow.
Shonali Sabherwal: For example, women often complain of hot flashes that are related to a disturbed temperature control mechanism in the perimenopausal stage. So we have given a schematic snapshot of lifestyle and diet management. We have suggested how doing yoga, wearing cotton clothing, getting eight hours of sleep, lying on a gel mattress, minimizing alcohol, spicy foods, caffeinated beverages, among others, can help a woman navigate her difficult time.
Dr Nozer Sheriar: Sometimes women also talk about emotional health and suffer from anxiety. So we want men to read this book too. We want men to be involved in the health of their partners.
Can you give an idea of hormone replacement therapy?
Dr Nozer Sheriar: Also called menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). It can be given orally and non-orally, depending on your age, symptoms, medical profile, and how much your estrogen levels have dropped. We have also mentioned the associated risks of hormone therapy in regards to its impact on blood clotting and heart health.
Source: news.google.com