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The menopause is the period of time within which a woman’s natural fertility begins to decline.

Menopause: An Ayurvedic perspective

The menopause is the period of time within which a woman’s ovaries become unresponsive to hormonal stimulation and stop producing mature eggs on a monthly cycle.

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Understanding menopause

The menopause is the period of time within which a woman’s ovaries become unresponsive to hormonal stimulation and stop producing mature eggs on a monthly cycle.

The Ayurvedic view of the menopause

Interestingly, the menopause is not actually mentioned in any of the Ayurvedic classical texts which leads to the assumption that Indian women living a natural lifestyle did not suffer from such symptoms in earlier times.

However, Ayurveda has very successful treatments for the alleviation of menopausal symptoms. The Ayurvedic perspective on menopause centres around changes in the two Ayurvedic dosha known as pitta and vata. The pitta phase associated with ambition, family rearing and drive evolving into the vata phase of wisdom, maturity and insight. This also has physiological affects and in individuals where the constitution is destabilised there can be some uncomfortable symptoms.

  • The main symptoms of vata are: nervousness, dryness, depression, anxiety, irregular cycles, missed menses, mood swings, sleep disturbances, lowered libido, hot and cold flushes.
  • The main symptoms of pitta are: hot flushes, heat sensations causing headaches and hot flushes, irritability, anger, change in menstrual flow, night sweats, digestive upset.

It is also common for some women to put on weight during menopause, especially if they have disturbed digestion or are taking HRT. This is often seen as a reflection of the kapha dosha.

Many herbs are suitable for self-care. However if a health condition does not resolve with home remedies we recommend using the information in Herbal Reality along with your health advisors, especially herbal practitioners from the professional associations listed in our Resources page (‘If you want to find a herbalist”). When buying any herbal products, you should choose responsible manufacturers with independently assured quality standards and sustainability practices. Check the label carefully for the appropriate safety and sustainability information.

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