Abstract

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The physiological function of most organ systems tends to decline with age, but there is a wide individual variability. Every person deserves precise diagnosis and assessment of function together with individually tailored management. The climacteric is a critical period in women’s life where loss of ovarian follicular activity is characterized biologically by decline in fertility, endocrinologically by alteration of hormone levels, and clinically by variation in menstrual cycle length and experience of a variety of symptoms. For decades, estrogen, either alone or in combination with progestins (HRT) has been the therapy of choice. The results of two large studies on HRT, The Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Study (HERS) (1) and the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Study (2) however, have modified the risk/benefit perception of HRT. Search for safe alternatives other than HRT to provide optimum physical and mental fitness are warranted. This review puts together probable cause and therapeutics based on Ayurvedic principals. It also lists the group of drugs that can be used in aging population to alleviate menopausal as well as associated aging problems, tailored according to the individual needs.

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