Menopause can be a traumatic experience for some women. Aside from the changes in hormones, it can also cause several unpleasant symptoms that can range from migraines, mood swings and even digestive issues. To know more about how it can affect you and how it can cause menopause health problems, here are some of the essential things you need to know.
What about menopause?
All women have to deal with the physiological, psychological and emotional challenges associated with menopause at some point in their lives. Although there are medications that can help ease its negative effects, not all of them have the capability to address all of menopause’s symptoms.
The best way to prepare for this major milestone for women is to know the right information. Knowing what it is and what it’s not can help you avoid menopause health problems.
How menopause can affect you
Estrogen significantly drops during menopause. It is the hormone that regulates many body processes, including cortisol and androgen levels. It also plays a part in bone development, blood clotting, and even certain brain functions.
This hormone can also affect your libido and vaginal secretions. This is one of the reasons why you experience a lot of sexual changes during this phase.
Estrogen regulates good and bad cholesterol levels. It also has an effect on the size of your veins and the way fluid and nutrients are transported in your body.
Diseases associated with menopause
During menopause, you should expect to go through a lot of changes in your emotions, mental state and even your health. As if these aren’t enough, you should also watch out for signs that indicate your risk of the following menopause health problems:
1. Diabetes
Low estrogen levels can affect your hormones, specifically the stress hormone cortisol and the hunger hormone called ghrelin. As the levels of these hormones fluctuate, so does your insulin level.
With the constant changes in your appetite and sugar level, two things happen to your body: intensified cravings for sweets and increased resistance to insulin.
2. Osteoporosis
Rapid bone loss after menopause isn’t that fatal. However, since it can still put your safety at risk, it’s something you have to be prepared for. Exercise is one of the best ways to decrease the rate of bone loss during the said period.
3. Lupus
This is a condition that can cause the various organs of your body to experience inflammation. It can be triggered by any drastic hormonal changes,such as during the menopausal period.
4. Uterine Cancer
According to the Center for Disease Control in Prevention, more than 50,000 American women were diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2013. In the same year, over 9,000 women died from the disease.
Uterine cancer commonly happens among women going through or have gone through menopause.
5. Vaginal Atrophy
With the decreased lubrication and changes in your hormones, your vaginal wall can thin out and lose its firmness. It can even become inflamed after sexual intercourse.
Over time, these changes can lead to vaginal atrophy. In some cases, it can even make urinating very painful, too.
6. Hypertension
The increased levels of bad cholesterol can put you at a higher risk for hypertension or high blood pressure. This is something you have to closely monitor since hypertension can lead to a lot of health problems.
It’s closely associated with kidney failure and heart problems.
7. Heart diseases
Shortness of breath and hot flushes are very common during menopause. These symptoms are manifestations of a weaker heart too.
As your estrogen level drops, your heart also loses its ability to expand and contract without difficulty. This makes your heart more fragile and at risk for several heart issues, including enlarged heart and blocked arteries
See Also: 4 Essential Checkups You Should Have Each Year
Conclusion
Menopause is challenging and it carries a lot of risks, too. To make sure you don’t end up with these menopause health problems, it’s a good idea if you can consult your physician. Proper consultation with a health professional can rule out any symptoms that may be triggered by another underlying health condition.