Physiological Changes and the Nutritional Status of Menopausal Women: Menopause and Nutrition

An intensive health and nutrition study was conducted at two hospitals in Kolkata consisting of 70 menopausal women. An analysis of their dietary habits revealed that they consumed around 1500Kcal\day. The protein amounted to an average of 43g and fat to 50g. Although anthropometric measurements indicated that the subjects' dietary intakes were deficient and they had inadequate energy reserves,they were not suffering from postmenopausal diseases like osteoporosis. Insomnia,restlessness was more common with a non-vegetarian diet;whereas,hot flashes and vaginal dryness was more common with a vegetarian diet.the ability to deal with stress was better in the vegetarian group. Overall it can be concluded that diet has significant effects on physiological changes in menopause.