How Menopause Can Affect Your Health

Menopause is a natural phenomenon which normally occurs after age 45, and during which a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months. Its occurrence is due to that woman’s ovary has stopped producing the hormones progesterone and estrogen and is linked to reduced functioning of the ovaries resulting from aging.

Menopause, defined as a final period, can be of great concern since it may introduce many unexpected symptoms and changes both psychologically and physically and causes mood swings and fluctuations among the females.

Changes in the Vulva

After menopause, the vaginal opening becomes narrower, causing most women have difficulty to have sexual intercourse with their partner. Followed by changes in the vulva, the pubic hair becomes sparse and fat in the pubic mound and the vagina lips become significantly decreased.

Changes in the Uterus

Due to atrophy of the muscles women experience after menopause, the uterus shrinks and becomes fibrotic as they no longer have periods as they are no longer in their childbearing years. The ovaries also do not produce any follicles, and simultaneously, the oestrogen levels in the blood decline substantially, while the endometrium (inner uterine lining) becomes atrophic and thin. As such, the size of the cervix is reduced and seems to be merged with the vagina. The change in the size of the cervix and uterus is usually not noticeable but its changes can greatly affect women’s health. Unless there is an infection, the cervical and vaginal discharge will also diminish until it stops entirely.

Changes in Weight

Weight problem can be a great concern among menopausal women. In most cases, most women who are experiencing menopause or pre-menopause may be prone to weight gain. This is because at this stage, their metabolic system goes down and despite eating the same amount and exercising regularly; they still find a noticeable increase in weight particularly around the midriff. At this moment, weight problems should be managed well both via a balanced diet and routine exercises, or else, unhealthy and irregular eating habits can cause binge eating, and worst still, more fat will be deposited around the buttocks, hips and waist which may later cause health problems.

Increased Cholesterol Levels in the Blood

It is very common that after menopause, you will experience increases in lipid and cholesterol level in the blood, medically termed as hyperlipidermia. This increase can further lead to a blockage or a narrowing of arteries surrounding the heart muscle due to the build-up of fatty plaque in the artery walls. This will definitely give rise to a potential risk of having a stroke, heart disease, coronary artery disease (CAD), atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.