Women experience menopause at a particular stage in life, which is a natural biological process marked by the permanent cessation of the menstrual cycle due to the gradual depletion of ovarian follicles. Typically, menopause occurs in one's 40s or 50s, but there are instances where women may enter this phase in their 30s or even earlier, referred to as premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency. While some women transition through this stage with ease, for others, it can be challenging, leading to symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings.

In addition to age, menopausal changes can also be triggered by factors like chemotherapy, ovarian ablation, and hormone therapy. A woman is categorized as postmenopausal if she has not experienced a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. A medical professional can readily assess menopausal status by measuring FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) levels in females. There are many health issues after menopause that cause changes in a woman’s body. Some of those are listed below. 

 

Symptoms Of Menopause

Here are the Symptoms of menopause:

• Mood changes
• Thinning hair and dry skin
• Weight gain and a slowed metabolism
• Vaginal dryness
• Sleep problems
• Irregular periods
• Hot flashes
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Loss of breast fullness

Medical Concerns Related To Menopause

Stroke

The risk of experiencing a stroke rises after the age of 55. This heightened risk is attributed to declining estrogen levels during menopause, which influence cholesterol regulation. As estrogen levels decrease, cholesterol may accumulate in the arteries that supply blood to the brain, potentially resulting in a stroke.

Heart Disease

Women typically have a lower risk of heart disease compared to men, thanks to the presence of estrogen, a hormone that helps maintain relaxed blood vessels and balanced cholesterol levels. However, after the age of 50, estrogen levels in women begin to decline, leading to the accumulation of cholesterol on artery walls. As a result, by the age of 70, women's susceptibility to heart disease becomes similar to that of men.

Osteoporosis

Following menopause, diminished estrogen levels can result in a decrease in bone density, increasing the likelihood of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by fragile and easily breakable bones. Recent research indicates that women who encounter hot flashes and night sweats may face a heightened risk of hip fractures.

Urinary Incontinence

Diminished estrogen levels can lead to a weakening of the urethra, causing some women to struggle with retaining urine.

Oral Issues

Postmenopausal women have additional oral health issues, including a higher risk of cavities as well as a dry mouth. It is essential to continue with routine check-ups and screening procedures after menopause, including

• Between those in the age range of 50 and 75, mammograms.
• Every five years, Pap testing and HPV screenings.
• Height measures are used to track height decrease due to bone loss.
• Tests for diabetes and cardiovascular disease using blood and urine.
• Check for cholesterol, blood pressure, and other crucial parameters.

Women may want to think about menopausal replacement treatment (PHT), also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), to address and avoid certain health problems. HRT balances the levels of progesterone and estrogen, which is especially helpful for menopausal women who see a marked decline in these hormones. 

Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Here are the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT):

• Enhances vaginal health.
• Alleviates menopause symptoms.
• Lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Preserves bone health.
• Elevates mood.
• Decreases the likelihood of colorectal cancer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, menopause causes substantial health issues for women, but they may get through this time with greater health and well-being if they receive proactive treatment and consider available solutions.