Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing During the Change
Health Changes After Menopause
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is the medical term for thinning of the bones. Thin bones become weaker and break easily, with the bones of the spine, wrists, and hips most prone to fracture. Although bones naturally weaken with age in both men and women starting at about age 40, women lose bone more rapidly after menopause.
Using estrogen after menopause can slow the rate of bone thinning and may prevent bones from breaking. Because estrogen use has some risks, only women who are likely to develop osteoporosis should use estrogens for prevention. If you have some of the factors that are listed below, or are concerned about your risk for osteoporosis, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you to evaluate your risk and decide whether estrogen therapy is right for you.
Making sure to get enough calcium in your diet can help strengthen your bones. Calcium is naturally found in many foods, including dairy products, and may also be added to a food (for instance, some orange juices now have calcium added). Calcium tablets are another good way to add to calcium to your diet. The goal should be to reach a total daily intake of 1000 milligrams per day before menopause or 1500 milligrams per day after menopause. Regular weight-bearing exercise, like walking, may also help prevent osteoporosis
Heart disease
The rate of heart disease rises considerably in women after menopause. Because many people think of heart disease as a "man’s problem," it may be surprising to know that heart disease is the leading cause of death among women.
Risk factors for heart disease in women (as well as men) include:
Being overweight (obesity)
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Cigarette smoking
High levels of "bad" cholesterol
A low level of activity (sedentary lifestyle)
The use of estrogen replacement therapy has been shown to dramatically reduce the risk for heart disease. Estrogen can lower high levels of "bad" cholesterol and helps maintain healthy veins. It may also help lower blood pressure and play a role in keeping blood sugar close to normal levels. Some experts believe that estrogen replacement therapy may be the single most important factor in preventing heart disease in women.
