Although menopause is a natural part of growing older, many women find menopause symptoms start interfering with their daily lives. Menopause symptoms include missed or heavy menstrual periods, hot sweating and flashes, mood changes, nervousness, insomnia and a general feeling of being "down". Due to hormonal changes a woman may add some weight or her hair may thin. Then, after the stopping of menstrual periods for a full twelve months, a woman enters menopause, and after twelve months a woman is post-menopausal.

Early menopause symptoms - every woman at some point in her 30's or 40's will wonder if what she is experiencing is really the first symptoms of menopause. Menopause is defined as the cessation of menses or the end of menstrual cycles for a period of 12 months or more. Menopause is a natural process for a woman, not an illness. It is quite common for a woman's hormone balance to begin shifting in her early 30's to 40's, resulting in early menopause symptoms. Why? There are several reasons why.

Common first symptoms of menopause for women are:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Lumpy or tender breasts
• Fibroid tumors
• Mood swings
• Sleep problems
• Anxiety and depression
• Inability to handle stress
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Weight gain

Some of the poses which are recommended during your menstrual period

1. Forward Bend Series

• Paschimottanasana (Full Forward Bend Pose)
• Janu Sirsasana (Head to Knee Pose)
• Triang Mukhaikapada
• Paschimottanasana (Three Parts Forward Bend Pose)
• Modified forward bends in chair with fists pressed into lower abdomen

These poses are calming. Lower abdominal and pelvic compression aids cramps and heavy bleeding.

2. Supported Standing Poses

• Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle Pose)
• Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana (Revolved Half Moon Pose) It is done with a support system which can be chair or wall.

Useful Tips for Heavy Menstruation: -

• Exercise: Exercise can help alleviate menstrual cramps by raising the level of beta-endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain associated with pain relief. Studies have shown that beta endorphins have a positive effect on mood and behavior.
• Oral contraceptive pills: Have been found to decrease the amount of menstrual tissue formed and lower the pain level (amplitude) of the uterine contractions.
• Reduce salt intake: To prevent water retention that causes bloating. Also, avoid liquor and other alcoholic beverages to reduce headaches.
• Mefenamic acid: Also found over the counter, effectively relieves severe menstrual pain while also reducing heavy menstrual bleeding, easing menstrual migraine, and easing the physical and emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Read more on Herbal Remedies for Irregular Menstruation and Irregular Menstruation Treatment. Also read more Heavy Menstrual Problems

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