Menopause is a time when a woman’s menstrual cycle stops, usually for a period of 12 consecutive months. The general age for Menopause is the 40s and varies from woman to woman. Signs of Menopause include
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Urinary incontinence
- Insomnia
- Irritability, mild depression and mood swings
- Dry skin, dry eyes and mouth
- Breast tenderness
- Worsen PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome)
- Irregular periods
Some people also experience
- Increase heart rate
- Headaches
- Joint and muscle aches and pains
- Altered sex drive
- Weight gain
- Hair loss
- Memory loss or difficulty in concentrating
Changes in hormone levels cause these symptoms. Some people may have mild symptoms, while others may experience severe versions. The symptoms can last up to 10 years, although most people experience them for less than five years.
Long-term health risks of Menopause
There are many conditions that you can be highly prone to post Menopause. Your risk of acquiring any ailment depends upon family history, lifestyle factors and health before Menopause. Two diseases that occur commonly in post-menopausal women are osteoporosis and coronary artery disease.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease known for making bones brittle. It happens when the bone density reduces due to reduced oestrogen levels post-menopause, which makes the bones fragile and more susceptible to fractures.
It is necessary to check bone density at the time of Menopause. Your Healthcare provider might ask you to do a bone density scan in Millburn, NJ, to see the amount of calcium you have in your bones. You can take calcium supplements to prevent osteoporosis.
Coronary artery disease
CAD is the blockage of blood vessels that supply the heart muscles. The restriction is usually due to fat deposition in the arteries, also called atherosclerosis. There are many factors contributing to fat accumulation and atherosclerosis. A few of them are
- Reduce oestrogen levels
- Increase blood pressure
- Reduced physical activity
- Lifestyle habits like smoking and alcohol consumption
The key to tackling Menopause and its long-term risk is to visit a medical professional as soon as you start experiencing signs and taking the supplements on time.