Hey Wonder Woman! Do you know what early menopause or premature ovarian failure means? It’s intense and yes, it can be. Perimenopause is when menstruation stops and it’s normal and happens to women between 45-55.
But for some of us, this journey starts much earlier than 45, at least in my case it did. Don’t panic! Well, it may sound weird but Ayurveda, the Indian science of life, has many tricks up its sleeve to manage this transition like a boss. Here’s how:
1. Spice Up Your Life (Without the Heat):
In Ayurveda, early menopause is caused by Vata Dosha disturbance. Vata is air and space so one should consider things that are dry, light and in constant motion. So avoid raw salads and iced beverages.
Add warm and grounding foods like steamed vegetables, warm broths and healthy fats (olive oil, ghee). Bonus points if you include phytoestrogen superstars like flax seeds, lentils and methi seeds in your meals!
- Spice Magic: Always stock up your kitchen with warming foods like ginger, spices and cardamom. They not only add a flavour to your food but also provide warmth to your body.
- Soup It Up: Add lots of vegetables and lentils to your soups and make sure you use bone broth. These are soft and can be easily swallowed and are sources of vitamins and minerals.
- Healthy Fat Focus: Avoid hydrogenated vegetable oils and go for healthy oils like olive oil, ghee and avocado. These fats are good for the heart and help in the digestion of nutrients in the body.
- Seeds Power: Flaxseeds, lentils and fenugreek seeds are all examples of foods that contain phytoestrogens which are plant compounds that act like estrogen in the body. You can eat them with your meals or blend them to a fine powder and mix them with smoothies or yoghurt.
2. Herbal Allies: Nature’s Got Your Back!
Feeling stressed and anxious? Ashwagandha, the Ayurvedic adaptogen, is your knight in shining armour. It helps with stress and anxiety, the common enemies during early menopause. And for some extra hormonal love, Shatavari, the “women’s tonic” nourishes the female reproductive system and promotes balance. Remember, consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner is the key to finding the right herbs and dosages for your unique body.
- Ashwagandha: This adaptogenic herb helps your body adapt to stress, a major contributor to early menopause symptoms. Ashwagandha can be taken in capsule or powder form, once or twice a day.
- Shatavari: This herb is good for balancing female hormones. Can be taken in powder form or as a liquid extract.
3. Yoga for the Win!
It’s not just fancy poses, people! Yoga is a holistic practice that combines physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation. Gentle yoga routines are magic for managing stress and sleep, both of which can disappear during early menopause. Plus, regular exercise (even a walk!) keeps your bones strong and your overall well-being soaring.
- Gentle Yoga Flow: Focus on restorative yoga poses that promote relaxation and stress relief. Look for yoga routines specifically designed for menopause symptoms.
- Pranayama Power: Breathing exercises like alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) can help regulate your emotions and improve sleep.
- Meditation Magic: Take a few minutes each day to meditate. Meditation calms the mind, reduces stress and improves focus. There are many guided meditations online or through apps designed for menopause symptoms.
- Move Your Body: Don’t underestimate the power of exercise! Even a 30-minute walk a day can boost your mood, energy and bone health.
4. Embrace the Journey and seek Wise Guidance:
Early menopause may be a surprise, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Ayurveda gives you the tools to navigate this transition. Consulting a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner opens up a world of personalized guidance and support. Download our very own Amrutam app to get these benefits.
- Find Your Ayurvedic Guide: Look for a practitioner who is certified and experienced in women’s health, specifically early menopause.
- Customized Treatment Plan: An Ayurvedic practitioner will assess your individual Dosha imbalances and create a personalized plan that may include dietary changes, herbal remedies, yoga practices and lifestyle recommendations.
- Education is Empowerment: Ask your practitioner questions and learn as much as you can about early menopause and Ayurveda. The more you know, the more in control you’ll feel of your health.
You’re not alone, Wonder Woman! Early menopause is a one-off, but with Ayurveda and a community of support, you can navigate this journey with ease and style. Embrace the change, listen to your body and start this new chapter feeling fabulous.
