In the language of Ayurveda, during the menopausal change, the energy of the woman shifts from the downward energy of the apana more towards the upward energy of udana. If she has imbalances in the samana vayu or ranjaka pitta these can move into other areas causing hot flashes, cholesterol problems, or sleep disturbances.
There are also the effects of general aging and years of toxic build-up (if not controlled by proper diet & cleansings). Elder people will show the wear & tear of years of their lifestyle at this time—it may have not much to do with menopause itself. Disease tendencies have often progressed to a stage recognized as disease by the conventional medical profession.
In addition, the elder age is naturally more Vata—meaning it tends towards dryness, spaciness, expansiveness, and creativity from the heart. If one becomes too Vata this lends to the problems of osteoporosis, memory loss, joint problems, and sleep disturbances. By understanding root causes, rather than treating symptoms only, Ayurveda offers a truly holistic approach to menopause.
As mentioned earlier, menopause is influenced by the constitution & balance of each individual. By keeping in balance one may avoid unnecessary discomforts & complications of the menopausal years. Women who follow Ayurvedic self care, get regular advise from an Ayurvedic practitioner, and do hatha yoga may experience less disruption.
by Terra Rafael
You may be interested in classes that expand these ideas with practical applications :
Is This Menopause? Know It to Better Surf It.