Menopause and Your Health
Many of my patients ask me: “What do I need to focus on or be concerned about now that I have gone through menopause?”
Menopause heralds some new conditions, but mostly, it accelerates predispositions that you may already have. For instance, osteoporosis accelerates in menopause: Since estrogen is a good bone-builder, once the level of estrogen is diminished, the bone degeneration proceeds unchecked. Similarly, estrogen is a heart-healthy hormone that helps keep lipid levels (including LDL cholesterol and triglycerides) lower and assists with blood flow. When a woman’s estrogen level drops significantly, her risk for heart disease increases. The most significant changes occur in the first eight to 10 years following menopause.
Another somewhat overlooked risk is that of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). The vaginal dryness that increases during and after menopause promotes altered bacterial growth in the perineum (the area between the vagina and the anus), leading to a higher probability of UTIs.
Each of the aforementioned conditions can be helped by using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but HRT is clearly not for every woman.
The most important things you can do to stay healthy in your postmenopausal years are getting regular exercise and keeping your weight steady, which usually requires dietary changes. Also, ask your doctor to screen you more carefully for possible declines in your bone strength and cardiovascular function. Fortunately, there are excellent new (and older) treatments for osteoporosis and heart disease. If you do need treatment, the sooner you begin, the better your prognosis and outcomes will be.
But prevention is always preferable to treatment, so be proactive in menopause: Stick to a healthy diet, exercise, and sleep regimen. Have your blood pressure, lipids, and blood glucose levels tested at least annually, and follow your doctor’s recommendations if any of these are abnormally high. Fortunately, healthy eating, frequent exercise, and adequate sleep will help you get and keep your levels in check and decrease your chances of developing heart disease and other chronic health conditions.
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