Loose and dry facial skin, weight gain and swelling, muscle loss in the arms and legs leading to weakness, and a persistent feeling of fatigue—these issues are all too familiar for many women.
According to Traditional Chinese medicine philosophies, there are three pivotal moments in a woman's life when proper care can enhance beauty and health: puberty, after childbirth, and menopause. Making appropriate adjustments during these key hormonal transitions can lead to significant improvements in overall well-being.
In Hong Kong, many women prioritize the well-being of those around them, often at the expense of their own health. As they enter menopause, many choose to endure discomfort, hoping that things will improve on their own, even when they feel unwell.
Menopause does not signify the end of beauty; however, it can create feelings of accelerated aging. This perception is closely linked to a substantial decrease in estrogen production by the ovaries. The skin's elasticity relies heavily on collagen, and during the five years leading up to menopause, approximately 30% of collagen can be lost rapidly due to reduced estrogen levels. This loss diminishes the skin's ability to tolerate external stimuli, resulting in sensitivity, dryness, sagging, and a dull complexion. Even moisturizing creams may provide little relief.
In addition to skin concerns, many women experience hair loss during menopause. Traditional Chinese medicine philosophies hold that hair health depends on adequate nourishment from qi (vital energy), blood, and kidney essence. The gradual depletion of qi and kidney essence during menopause can lead to nutritional imbalances that contribute to hair loss.
Research indicates that the average age of menopause for women in Hong Kong is 51 years old. If menopause occurs before age 40, it may signal premature ovarian failure, necessitating prompt attention. Alongside skin and hair loss issues, consider whether you experience any of the following uncomfortable symptoms:
1. Emotional symptoms: Increased irritability, unexplained low mood, frequent crying, and decreased memory and concentration.
2. Central nervous system symptoms: Insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, persistent fatigue, headaches, and dizziness.
3. Menstrual symptoms: Irregular menstrual cycles, changes in menstrual flow, or prolonged spotting.
4. Cardiovascular symptoms: Chest tightness, shortness of breath, palpitations, and even potential cerebrovascular diseases or ischemic heart disease.
5. Bone and joint symptoms: Lower back pain, heel pain, calf cramps, and an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
6. Reproductive and urinary symptoms: Frequent urination, urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness, and pain during intercourse.
These symptoms do not necessarily occur simultaneously; each woman's experience is unique. The timing and frequency of symptoms can vary widely. For some women, symptoms may persist for several months or even years; however, most will find that their symptoms gradually alleviate or disappear within 2 to 3 years.
Traditional Chinese medicine regards menopause as a normal physiological stage. However, individual differences in constitution combined with factors such as work stress and environmental changes can lead to imbalances in yin and yang, resulting in various physical discomforts. While each woman's symptoms may differ, traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes holistic treatment approaches. Techniques such as herbal medicine and acupuncture can help regulate qi and blood flow while nourishing the kidneys and strengthening the liver to alleviate discomfort based on individual circumstances.
The principle of ‘prevention is better than cure’ is equally applicable to health management during menopause. It is advisable for women to begin body conditioning between the ages of 40 and 45 to ease discomfort as they transition into menopause. This proactive approach can enhance adaptability while maintaining health and beauty at any age—ensuring optimal well-being throughout this life stage.
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