Quality of life among perimenopausal women
Menopause is the time in women’s lives when menstrual periods stop permanently. It is defined as absence of menstrual periods for 12 months. The term "Perimenopause", which literally means "around the menopause", refers to the menopause transition years, a time before and after the date of the final episode of flow, this transition can last for four to eight years. The perimenopausal transition is a different experience for each woman. It is important to remember that each woman's experience is highly individual. Some women may experience few or no symptoms of menopause, while others experience multiple physical and psychological symptoms. Some common symptoms are hot flushes, night sweats, mood disturbances / depression / forgetfulness, vaginal dryness / urinary infections / pain during intercourse. The women from the present study reported higher physical and psychosocial symptoms with a high frequency of physical symptoms such as feeling tired, decrease in physical strength and stamina, poor memory, muscles and joint pains, low back ache, and flatulence. These disturbances had a negative effect on the quality of life of the perimenopausal women. Menopause symptoms often affect a woman's confidence and her self-esteem. The study showed, in particular, that 87% of women experience anxiety, depression and mood swings, which then affects their relationships, family life and career. Education, creating awareness and providing suitable intervention to improve the quality of life are important social and medical issues which are to be addressed. Life style changes are required, like practicing yoga, aerobic exercises, weight training to build strength, meditation, brisk walking. Proper diet consultation is required. 12 subjects of the present study participated in a cross fit training programme under the guidance of a trainer and they showed significantly positive results. The training improved their concentration, stamina, flexibility, muscle strength, energy, mood, sleep and weight loss and its maintenance. Perimenopause is a natural stage of life. It is not a disease or a disorder. Therefore, it does not require any kind of medical treatment. However, in those cases where the physical, mental, and emotional effects of perimenopause are strong enough that they significantly disrupt the life of the woman experiencing them, palliative medical therapy may sometimes be appropriate.