Menopause. It happens to every woman. And yet, no one prepares you for it. Hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, poor sleep, and a lot more happens and you have to face it all. However, ayurveda, India’s 5000-year-old science, tells us how to handle this phase without any complications. So let’s begin!
How the Doshas Influence Menopause
Every woman experiences menopause differently. That’s because of the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha reacts differently when hormones start fluctuating.
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Vata dominance – Think dryness, insomnia, anxiety, and forgetfulness. Vata is air and space. When it goes wild, everything feels unstable.
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Pitta imbalance – Anger, hot flashes, excessive sweating. Pitta is fire and water. Too much fire? You overheat.
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Kapha excess – Weight gain, sluggishness, emotional heaviness. Kapha is earth and water. When stuck, it slows everything down.
Your dosha determines how menopause shows up for you. Balance it, and the symptoms don’t take over your life.
Hormonal Changes in Menopause
The ovaries slow down. Estrogen and progesterone drop. Metabolism changes. Skin gets drier. Emotions fluctuate. Digestion slows. Muscles feel weaker. Bones need more care. Menopause isn’t just about periods stopping—it’s an entire body shift. But the good news? Ayurveda understands this. And it has tools to help.
Key Symptoms of Menopause & How Ayurveda Helps
1. Hot Flashes
Feel like you’re burning up? Your pitta might be out of control. You can cool it down with foods like coconut water, cucumber, and mint. You need to avoid spicy, oily, or fried stuff. Drink coriander or fennel tea and apply a cooling oil like sandalwood on your temples.
You can also try Sheetali Pranayama. Breathe in through a rolled tongue, hold, and breathe out through the nose. It will instantly help.
2. Irregular Menstrual Cycles
When periods become unpredictable, it’s your hormones trying to find a new normal. Shatavari, a popular herb, supports reproductive health and balances hormones. Stick to warm, nourishing foods to keep Vata steady.
Also, keep your gut happy. Irregular digestion worsens irregular cycles. Sip on ginger tea, avoid processed foods and eat fresh, home-cooked meals.
3. Insomnia
Can’t sleep? Overthinking? Restless? Vata’s to blame here. Abhyanga—warm oil massage with sesame or almond oil—before bed works like magic. Drink warm milk with nutmeg. Disconnect from screens. Keep bedtime the same every day. Sleep will follow.
For stubborn insomnia, try Bhramari Pranayama. The vibrations will calm the nervous system, making sleep come easier.
4. Stress and Anxiety
Menopause messes with your mind. One moment you’re calm, the next you’re on edge. Brahmi and Ashwagandha are Ayurvedic herbs that help calm the nerves. Pranayama—slow breathing—works wonders. Grounding foods like ghee, dates, and root veggies help keep Vata in check. Also, stop multitasking and focus on one task at a time.
5. Weight Gain
When Metabolism slows down, kapha takes over. Body holds on to extra fat. Don’t go starving yourself as it doesn’t work that way. Instead, eat light but nourishing meals. Sip warm water through the day. Move your body, walk, dance, and do yoga. You can also boost digestion with Triphala.
Two things that help are avoiding late-night snacking and cold drinks. Warm, well-spiced food helps burn calories better.
Top 5 Ayurvedic Remedies for Menopause
1. Meditation & Yoga for Menopause
Focus on grounding poses such as Child’s Pose, Downward Dog, and Seated Forward Bends. Balance the breath with Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana). Fifteen minutes a day can change everything.
Meditation helps too. Doesn’t have to be fancy. Just sit still, breathe, and let thoughts come and go. Even five minutes can make a difference. You can also use a tibetan singing bowl for your meditation practice.
2. Balanced Diet Based on Doshas
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For Vata dominance – Warm, moist foods. Think soups, ghee, soft-cooked veggies.
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For Pitta dominance – Cooling foods. Coconut water, fresh fruits, mint, and dairy.
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For Kapha dominance – Light, spicy foods. Ginger, turmeric, black pepper. Avoid heavy, cold meals.
Also, hydrate properly. Warm water or herbal teas work better than plain cold water.
3. Herbal Support
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Ashwagandha – Reduces stress, keeps energy stable.
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Shatavari – Balances hormones, supports the reproductive system.
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Brahmi – Sharpens memory, calms the mind.
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Triphala – Aids digestion, detoxifies the body.
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Licorice – Strengthens bones, prevents osteoporosis.
4. Oil Massage (Abhyanga)
This is non-negotiable. Warm sesame or coconut oil. Slow strokes. Before a bath. Hydrates skin, calms nerves, boosts circulation. Makes you feel whole again.
Take it up a notch by adding a few drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil for extra relaxation.
5. Lifestyle Shifts That Make a Difference
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Wake up and sleep at the same time daily. Routine balances hormones.
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Spend time in nature. Sunlight helps mood and bone health.
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Avoid extreme fasting or crash diets. Steady, nourishing food is best.
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Laughter. Sounds simple, but it releases good hormones. Watch something funny. Call a friend who makes you laugh.
Conclusion
Menopause is not a problem to be solved. It’s a transition to be managed. Ayurveda gives us a roadmap—understand your dosha, adjust your food, embrace herbs, and adopt simple daily habits.