Youth, - With determination and faith, midlife becomes a gift, not an affliction

Anxiety, fatigue, weight gain, hot flashes and decreased libido are
signs of menopause. While this "third age" of a woman is generally
dreaded, Muslims consider it "the age of maturity" that must not
induce despair. Indeed, with her will and faith, a woman can overcome
the possible physical and psychological changes perimenopause brings
about
There is no doubt that menopause is a difficult stage of life, in
psychological terms, as it signifies the fading of youth and the end
of the ability to bear children. Marie Claude, a professor at
Université Pierre et Marie Curie in Paris, determined that the factors
which affect the onset of menopause are hereditary. A woman should be
able to estimate when she will have her final period if she knows at
which age her mother reached menopause. There are also non-hereditary
factors to consider, such as an imbalanced diet, poor social and
economic conditions, tension and smoking, because tobacco can
intensify the decrease of estrogen production.
The professor also states that the period of physical and
psychological problems is an interim transition. Afterwards, the
organs will become accustomed to the decreased hormone levels and
create a new balance for the body to function normally. Some of those
changes are:
1-Hot flashes
This afflicts about three out of every four women. It is a feeling of
intense heat, accompanied by a visible redness in the face in about
10% of women. Hot flashes are stressful; a person suffering from them
may also have night sweats. During this period, one should avoid
caffeine, smoking and spicy food. If the flashes are severe, one
should take some analgesic medication in addition to hormonal
treatments. It is also advised to eat foods rich in vitamins C and E,
such as fresh fruit and vegetables.
2-Weight gain
Women often crave sugary goods, which is linked to hormonal changes
and an increase in age. So, to avoid obesity, one should follow a
healthy nutritional system, especially from the age of forty. Also:
Avoid the habit of eating a bite here and there throughout the day,
apart from regular meals.
Avoid sweets because the sugar in it soon turns in to fats.
Reduce the consumption of animal fats, instead preferring fish, fresh
vegetables and fruit.
Drink water frequently because it helps in secretion and moistening the skin.
Practice a regular sport, such as walking, for a minimum quarter of an
hour a day.
3-Decreased libido
During menopause, vaginal atrophy and a healthy shrinking of outer and
inner genital areas takes place due to the absence of estrogen.
Regular sexual activity is almost sufficient to preserve the
moistening of the cells. Water soluble vaginal lubricants and vaginal
estrogen which counters dryness are also helpful.
4-Dryness of the skin
A decrease in estrogen levels leads to a decrease in soft tissue
moisture; consequently, the skin becomes very thin, dry and rough, and
vulnerable to developing wrinkles. Further, the disturbance in the
workings of the cells allows the appearance of pale spots on the skin.
The solution is to:
Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
Drink water frequently and eat fresh fruit.
Use an ointment for the skin that has estrogen.
This is a scientific opinion, regarding utilizing available remedial
means. However, the most important thing is to seek the help of Allaah
The Almighty against the trials of middle age. One must also busy
herself with acts of obedience, worship and remembrance of Allaah The
Almighty, seeking His reward.
If women try this out, in conjunction with the above recommendations,
by the permission of Allaah The Almighty, this stage of life will turn
into a blessing, not an affliction.