Period to see specialists

Hyderabad: A multi-pronged approach to deal with the various problems caused by the onset of menopause requires specialised clinics where women can get complete treatment, said doctors at the Indian Menopause Society Conference in the city on Sunday.

With a growing number of urban women approaching gynaecologists after menopause, the problems of bone density loss, vision problems, dental issues, hormonal problems and also skin issues require a set of specialists to attend to them.

IMS president Dr. H.P. Pattanaik said, :Women in urban cities and towns are approaching doctors for help. It becomes important to treat the condition of menopause under one umbrella with a team of specialists to aid them. Both preventive and curative options must be made available so that they can lead a fit and free life."

While 40 per cent of women seeking help in urban areas, the situation in rural areas is not so encouraging as many of them are not aware of this problem.

Vision loss in terms of diminished eyesight and dry eyes syndrome are some of the common problems due to the hormonal changes in the body and many of them ignore it considering it as an aging cycle.

The most severe impact of menopause is on bone density in the body, making them susceptible to falls and fractures.

Dr G. Bhavani, organising secretary of the society, says, “Many women in urban areas approach doctors only after there is an event like a fall or a problem in the uterus. It is often the children who get their parents and want some solution for their problems. Most of them come at a stage where only curative care can be offered to them. Preventive care of fitness for women after attaining menopause is being advocated only now. It is important for women to understand that they must also have a different diet plan of small meals at intervals which will ensure that their body metabolism rate is maintained."

The average mean age of menopause in the general population has continued to be in the age group of 45 to 50 years. But after menopause, if there is sudden bleeding, women must not take it as a cyclical condition.