Ayurvedic Treatment Of Emotional Stress During Menopause

Most women experience some menopause symptoms during menopause, and for the great majority this means a lot more than hot flushes. Due to hormonal fluctuations, in particular the decline in oestrogen production, a woman’s emotional stability can be severely shaken and this is one of the common early signs of menopause. While both the woman and those with whom she comes into contact are generally aware of the problem, they are often unaware of the cause. It is difficult to make sense of your feelings when your feelings make no sense to you.

Emotional stress, which is one of the symptoms of menopause, manifests itself in a great variety of ways. Irritability and sadness are common, and to these can be added intolerance, anger, aggressiveness, anxiety, mood swings and crying spells. The woman might find herself wondering why everyone is against her. Health issues such as headaches and migraines are frequent, but too often in the absence of any medical diagnosis the root cause remains unaddressed.

Naturally such instability can create serious problems in the home and in the workplace. If the partner and other family members, or the employer, work colleagues and friends are not fully aware of the situation relationships can be severely damaged or even broken as a result of the tension created. The divorce rate during menopause is high.

If the woman herself is fully aware of what is going on she will be able to manage the problem. If she does not do so there is a danger that depression will set in. When this happens a person can easily make wrong decisions, for example spending money on things that are not needed, thereby creating financial difficulties.

So what is the Ayurvedic treatment for emotional stress during menopause? As is usually the case, diet and lifestyle factors need to be carefully addressed. Meditation and yoga exercises are wonderful tools for relaxation and stress reduction. Ayurveda also has some highly effective herbal medicines for hormone balance. Additional practices which are helpful include walking on the grass with bare feet early in the morning and taking a 20 to 25 minute walk every evening, preferably at sunset. It is important to drink at least 2 litres of water every day. Extra care needs to be taken with decision making at this time.

At this time of hormonal fluctuation specific organs may be affected, for example the thyroid function can sometimes go high or low. The treatment for this would be different to that chosen for a younger person.

Menopause is a milestone – not a final destination – and Ayurveda has the tools to enable a positive and healthy transition using the appropriate menopause treatment through this stage in life.