Women
Female Stress Syndrome: Coping With Menopause
Amidst other stress
syndromes Common with the female sex, Menopause is yet another issue that has engaged the worry of most average and well-thought ladies.
The ceasation of ovarian function, stopping of the menstrual cycle and the end of the reproductive years, Menopause is a natural event in a woman’s life. It usually occurs between the ages of 42-55. The average age is about 50 and the transition is generally up to five years.
While this is occurring, there tends to be a hormone starvation, since menopause usually results from a decreased production of the female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) Particularly, the estrogen, which the reduced supply increases the possibility of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and vaginal atrophy.
Natural Remedies Encyclopedia, sixth edition, reveals that menopause comes along with insomnia, hot flashes, irritability, backaches, disturbances in calcium metabolism, dizziness, mental instability, bladder problems, headaces, dryness and aging of the skin, shortness of breath and heart palpitations. Some women however, have almost no symptom at all, other than the absence of menses.
With all its accompanied experiences, most of which are unpleasant and even undesirable, the average woman deploys every tool within her reach to avoid the stresses as they not only drastically reduces her value to her man but affect her general output to the economic barn of the family as the years roll on.
Although it could be termed an age of younger-aged marriages, there are yet ladies who do not get married until the ages of 35-40. Such, so close to the menopausal age, it is wonder then the worth or relevance of such women in their matrimonial homes in the nearest years. Another tool then for infidelity, complex, anxiety and fears in most marriages today.
As natural as it is, the woman, not being able to change the situation, rationally endures it. Unfortunately, most menopause don’t proceed normally, but accompanies even more dreadful symptoms, leaving the woman restless and susceptible to more external health influences. However, when it does proceeds normally, the adrenals and liver increase their output of female hormones, mating up the difference from the lost ovarian function.
According to a Director in the State Civil Service, “(menopause is entirely another phase of life for the woman. Ordinarily, the woman feels that she would have her body back in her hands having been through with childbearing. But no. The stress is sometimes so much that you wonder if your problem is more than a medical health issue”.
Nonetheless, as part of measures to keep the woman a little free from the stress of the time (menopausal age), it has become popular to take estrogen supplements to prevent or postpone menopausal symptoms. But, it should be noted that there is an increased risk of cancer when this is done unwisely.
While it is recommended that oral estrogen should not be accompanied by progesterone because of its high risk of cancer particularly of the uterus and breast, synthetic, not natural estrogens are given in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). These tend to accumulate in the body and can also cause metabolic changes in the liver which can lead to high blood pressure, fluid retention and blood clots.
But, natural estrogens are available one of which is the equine estrogen. Extracted from the urine of pregnant mares, it is very powerful and may also cause some changes in the liver to the extent that smokers, obessed women with high blood pressure and cholesterol or varicose veins are advised against it. Somewhat safer estrogens are Estropipate (Ogen) and Estradiol.
These are all metabolised more easily by the body but only the smallest possible dose should be used and taken every other day.
Estrogen is the popular female sex hormone and most wanted for the proper functioning of the woman, thus, even desired to be replaced at menopause. Recent studies is proving that it is even more important to replace the lessened progesterone than that of estrogen. Natural progesterone-like creams (from the herb, wild yam, which contains diosgenin) provide a simplified way to do this and so many women have been helped by doing so.
Apart from the broadened HRT which can be expensive and sometimes cumbersome except for the average and learned woman, there are other simplified means of coping with the stresses with less expense. Unfortunately, ignorance has caused a lot of sufferings among women mostly of the lower class which this edition is focused on alleviating.
Simply put, there are some simple ways of living a somewhat stress free. Menopausal life:·Raw fruits and vegetable juices, brewer’s yeast, lecithin and cold-pressed vegetable oils are needed in the system. The diet should be at least 50 percent raw food.·If estrogen (hormone replacement) therapy is begun, take vitamin E several hours earlier or later and not at the same time. Taking it up to 1,200 IU is especially important during this time. ·In addition, generous amounts of vitamins B6 (500mg) B12 (1000mg), Vitamin C(1000mg) and folic acid (5mg) will make the estrogen therapy more effective, especially as Vitamin C works with bioflavonoids to maintain capillary strength.
·It is very important that sufficient calcium (4000mg) be taken to maintain a proper calcium-phosphorus balance. As menopause sets in, the woman lacks enough calcium in the body due to the lessened estrogen; thus, it becomes important that calcium supplement be taken henceforth.·An increase in protein and reduction in carbohydrates is recommended at this time. Maintain an adequate intake of Vitamin D (1000 IU), Iron (50mg) and magnesium (1000 mg). Do not use alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, sugar, hot soups or drinks. They make the emotions to swing worse and the blood more acidic. This causes the bones to release extra calcium to balance the blood PH and weaken the bones if extra calcium is taken.·
Substitute garlic & onion powder for salt. Consuming salt increases urinary excretion of calcium.·Drink plenty of water each day to avoid drying of the skin mucous membranes.·Avoid mental and emotional stress and worry. Always be happy with yourself no matter what.·Get plenty of outdoor exercise and sufficient rest. A lack of exercise weakens the body density. ·Endeavour to be calm and relaxed. Only do one thing at a time and avoid becoming anxious.
·In all, proper diet, nutritional supplements, exercise and adequate rest can minimize the effects of menopause.
Lady Godknows Ogbelu
Christian Association of Nigeria (Can) women’s wing entertaining at the farewell for intending Christian pilgrims to Israel.
Photo: NAN
IVY-K Fashion by Igiebor Daddy Lucky, a Nigerian-born designer now based in the UK, has launched the latest menswear line, Dapper Man.
One of the collection’s strengths is its classic, clean aesthetic. Dapper Man delivers sharp, structured suits in a timeless black and white color scheme that exudes a sense of luxury and professionalism. The use of high-quality fabrics like wool and silk ensures that the suits not only look high-end but also feel luxurious to the wearer. The designer’s focus on detail is evident in the meticulous tailoring, with fitted blazers and crisp trousers forming the foundation of the collection.
Where IVY-K Fashion shines is in the subtle yet elegant touches. The inclusion of beads as embellishments on lapels and cuffs adds a unique flair, blending traditional craft with modern tailoring. This nod to African heritage gives the collection a distinct identity, offering something more personal and culturally significant than your standard menswear line.
However, despite the elegance of the Dapper Man collection, there is a lingering sense of missed opportunity. The black-and-white color palette, while classic, feels overly safe. In a fashion landscape where bold colors and daring patterns often make the strongest impact, the collection could benefit from incorporating more vibrant hues or experimenting with unconventional fabrics. Pushing the envelope with color or texture could elevate these designs from simply elegant to truly memorable.
In addition, while the tailoring of the blazers and trousers is immaculate, the collection lacks a sense of playfulness or modern edge that many contemporary menswear lines are embracing. The suits are undoubtedly stylish, but the collection as a whole leans heavily on tradition. Experimenting with asymmetrical cuts, bold patterns, or even layering could add an exciting dimension to Dapper Man. The challenge is to maintain the sleek sophistication of the collection while infusing it with a fresh, innovative spirit.
Another area that could use improvement is the overall cohesion of the collection. While the suits are well-crafted, there is a feeling of repetition across the pieces. More variation in design, such as different lapel styles, pocket configurations, or even bolder accessories, would give the collection greater diversity and visual interest.
In conclusion, Dapper Man by Igiebor Daddy Lucky showcases the designer’s strong grasp of classic tailoring and elegant design, but to truly capture the attention of a broader audience, IVY-K Fashion would benefit from more daring choices. By infusing the collection with bold colors, unexpected textures, and a more modern edge, Dapper Man could move from a well-crafted line to a trendsetting force in men’s fashion. With such a solid foundation, there’s no doubt that Igiebor Daddy Lucky has the potential to lead his brand toward greater heights
The trend of indecent dressing all in the name of fashion is fast becoming a norm in our generation and society at large. Most married women embrace this fashion as competition with single ladies.
Different scholars have given an in depth insight about dressing as a tool of communication. Non-verbal communication has been asserted as the communication between people by the means of signs or symbols. It conveys what we wish to disseminate to the public as either intentionally or not.
According to Paul Ekman and Michael Argyle, communication is carried out through what has been classified as “Presentational Code”. He listed nine codes of non-verbal communication, as body contact, facial expression, gestures, postures, eye movement, proximity, orientation, head nods and appearance.
This, being stated, married and single ladies should understand that their mode of dressing is communicative be it directly or indirectly as such body parts we call “private” are now being made public because of the trends or wearing of transparent dresses and this in turn calls on the attention of men who are weak and prone to illicit thoughts thus, resulting to most rape cases in our society.
This indecent dressing by most ladies has denied many their future husbands. The truth is that a man is attracted to his kind; his desires in marriage. It is often asserted that decency and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder, yet, in trending times of this 21st century, dress code and fashion in nudity form is gaining popularity.
This has become complicated as most men tend to toggle between their emotions (lust) and sanity (rationality) in terms of marriage, thereby setting a wrong foundation upon which most marriages are consummated.
On the other hand, most married women have embraced the trend of indecent dressing nipping it on the state of it being the choice dressing, approved by their spouses, leaving society with the question of what “responsible” man would prefer that the secrecy of the benefit of his marital vow has become the centre of attraction and viewership by the general public.
Hence, communicating with their dressing gas given licence to every male gender who is interested or attracted to what they see to make unsolicited sexual passes at them, which might be considered embarrassing.
At this juncture, it is important to state that ladies should dress decently knowing that they are the epitome of nation-building, they are nation-builders, character moulders and pacesetters not just in the lives of their families but to the society at large.
In most occasions, there are no clear border lines between the married women and the single ladies because of the rate of scanty dressing which has close the gap of differences.
Women and girls should embrace this call awakening to decent mode of dressing. Dresses that are meant to be worn indoors should remain indoors.
It is worrisome to see ladies wear shorts that are supposed to be worn in the living room on the streets without shame. This is an awakening call to our ladies, married and singles that the opposite sex do not expose their private body parts for the public. Sometimes, the ladies go about in the streets without wearing brazziers as to showcase their nipples.
The society should be sanitised of the menace of indecent dressing that is lurking and taking over the entire nooks and crannies of the society and the nation at large.
Let it be known that he or she is addressed in the manner he or she is dressed. There may be no room for a second impression. To the single ladies, your dressing decently will not stop you from meeting your Mr Right rather, it will increase your stake and place you on the list of most valued women in the society.
Dressing speaks louder than words.
Kate Chisom Isiocha
Isiocha is an OND final year student of Temple Gate Polytechnic.
