Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, and it is a period of various symptoms and health problems due to a gradual decline in estrogen levels.
Cardiovascular disease
During menopause, one of the main health challenges faced by women is cardiovascular disease.
Estrogen plays an important role in female physiology, including regulating the female reproductive system and affecting the cardiovascular system. As we age, ovarian function declines, leading to a decline in estrogen levels in the body, which in turn poses a potential threat to cardiovascular health.
The protective effect of estrogen on the cardiovascular system is mainly reflected in three aspects: it promotes vasodilation, increases the elasticity of blood vessels, and thus lowers blood pressure;
Second, estrogen improves blood lipid metabolism, lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, which helps prevent atherosclerosis;
In addition, estrogen has an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing the inflammatory response of blood vessels and protecting vascular endothelial cells.
However, with the onset of menopause, estrogen levels in a woman's body decline, and these protective effects are weakened. Studies have shown that the risk of cardiovascular disease increases significantly in women after menopause, similar to that of men.
This is also confirmed by clinical observations, with increased fluctuations in blood pressure, increased blood lipid levels, and increased incidence of arrhythmias in menopausal women, which are direct markers of an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
In addition, menopausal women are prone to sarcopenia due to decreased muscle mass and function, which is also a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Decreased muscle mass leads to decreased glucose metabolism, which in turn leads to insulin resistance, further increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Gynecological diseases
Menopause is an important stage in a woman's life, and along with fluctuations in estrogen levels, it can trigger a range of gynaecological problems. Among them, functional uterine bleeding, vaginitis and uterine fibroids are common gynecological diseases in menopausal women.
Functional uterine bleeding: This is non-structural abnormal uterine bleeding caused by endocrine disorders.
With the onset of menopause, estrogen levels in a woman's body fluctuate, which can lead to endometrial hyperplasia, which can trigger abnormal bleeding. This abnormal bleeding may affect a woman's quality of life and even cause complications such as anemia.
Vaginitis: As estrogen levels drop, the vaginal mucosa can become dry and brittle, increasing the risk of infection.
Common symptoms of vaginitis include vaginal itching, a burning sensation, and abnormal discharge. These discomforts may affect a woman's sex life and quality of life.
Uterine fibroids: Uterine fibroids are benign tumors, but in menopausal women, they may grow or shrink faster due to the effects of fluctuating estrogen levels.
This change can cause problems such as pain, pressure symptoms, and irregular menstrual periods, affecting a woman's life and health.
In addition to the above-mentioned diseases, menopausal women may also be at risk of other gynaecological cancers, such as cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer.
The peak incidence of these tumors usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 60, which coincides with the age of menopausal women.
For example, vaginitis occurs in about 30% of menopausal women, while the incidence of breast, cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers also peaks in this age group.
Therefore, menopause is not only the end of fertility, but also a challenge for gynecological health. Understanding and responding to these gynecological issues in a timely manner can help maintain women's health and quality of life.
Regular gynecological examinations and lifestyle modifications are also important measures to prevent these diseases.
osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a common bone disease, especially in menopausal women. The essence of this disease is osteopenia and destruction of bone tissue microstructure, resulting in increased bone fragility.
Its occurrence is closely related to changes in the level of estrogen in the body, which plays a key role in maintaining bone health.
Specifically, estrogen is able to inhibit the activity of osteoclasts, thereby slowing down the breakdown process of bone tissue. However, in menopausal women, estrogen levels decline as ovarian function declines, leading to increased bone loss.
Scientific studies have shown that the risk of fractures in menopausal women is strongly associated with a decline in estrogen levels. For example, one study found that bone mineral density decreases significantly in women after menopause, especially during the first few years of menopause.
This phenomenon is observed not only in specific regions, but also globally, with women in Asia, Europe and the Americas at risk of osteoporosis.
To prevent and treat osteoporosis, the medical community has come up with a variety of strategies. Proper calcium and vitamin D supplementation are the foundation as they are essential for maintaining bone health.
Moderate physical activity, especially weight-bearing exercises, such as walking and running, can increase bone strength.
In addition, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is also an option, and although it has certain controversies and risks, in some cases, it can be effective in slowing the rate of bone loss.
Menopausal women should adopt a comprehensive prevention and treatment strategy when dealing with osteoporosis to maintain bone health and improve quality of life.
Mental health issues
Menopause is a symbolic turning point in a woman's life course, accompanied not only by physical changes, but also by psychological and emotional challenges.
Common mental health issues include anxiety and depression, which can be directly related to hormonal changes or a natural response to changes in the body.
Hormones play an important role in regulating mood and behavior. During menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels in a woman's body fluctuate and may affect neurotransmitter systems in the brain involved in mood regulation, such as serotonin and dopamine.
A decline in estrogen is associated with depressed mood, while fluctuations in progesterone are associated with feelings of anxiety and mood lability. Studies have shown that menopausal women's mental health issues have a significant impact on their overall health.
Mental health management encompasses multiple levels of services, including mental health education, timely identification and assessment of psychological problems, targeted psychological intervention services, and treatment of serious mental illnesses.
Through a variety of interventions, such as strengthening the communication skills of medical staff, providing mental health education, establishing a healthy lifestyle, increasing social support, and improving self-mental health care capabilities, menopausal women can achieve the best physical and psychological state and reduce the occurrence of psychological problems.
During menopause, women may experience a range of psychological changes, including a reassessment of their self-identity, deep reflections on the meaning of life, and a sense of uncertainty about the future.
These changes can lead to mood swings and even symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Therefore, the mental health management of menopausal women is a complex and multidimensional process that requires the joint efforts of medical professionals, family members, and society.
To smooth out menopause, here are five ways to get through menopause well
Menopause is an important stage in a woman's life, and here are five ways to help women navigate through it:
1. Eat a balanced diet
During menopause, it is crucial to adopt a low-calorie, low-fat, low-salt, and low-sugar diet. At the same time, increasing the intake of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D can help maintain bone health.
For example, high-quality dairy products, legumes, fish, and leafy greens are all good sources of calcium and vitamin D.
2. Moderate exercise
Regular moderate-intensity exercise is very important for menopausal women. Exercises such as brisk walking, swimming, or yoga not only help maintain cardiovascular health, strengthen bones, but also improve mental well-being. A variety of exercises can make the body more flexible and the mood more happy.
3. Get enough sleep
For women who are going through menopause, getting 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep every night is like opening the door to a comfortable life.
Sleep has an immeasurable impact on our physical and mental health. If you get enough sleep every night, you will feel energized, in a good mood, and full of life.
But if you don't sleep well, then you may feel exhausted, depressed, and even affect your work and life.
So, how to ensure a good quality of sleep? Establish good sleep habits. For example, try to maintain a regular routine every night so that your body and brain know when it's time to rest.
Create a comfortable sleeping environment. You can choose a quiet, dark, cool room with soft and comfortable bedding to help you fall asleep faster.
Also, avoid too many stimulating activities before bed, such as drinking coffee or playing on your phone, which can make it easier for your brain to relax and fall asleep.
For women going through menopause, getting enough sleep is especially important. Menopause brings a series of physical and psychological changes, such as hot flashes, anxiety, depression, etc., which can affect the quality of your sleep.
However, if you can take some effective measures to alleviate these symptoms, such as exercising properly and maintaining a good mindset, then you will be better able to cope with the challenges of menopause and enjoy a good night's sleep.
4. Psychological support
Menopause can be accompanied by mood swings and psychological stress, so it's important to talk to family, friends or a professional about how you're feeling. Seeking psychological support and advice can help women better cope with the challenges of menopause and maintain their mental health.
5. Medical intervention
If necessary, hormone replacement therapy or other medical interventions may be considered to relieve menopausal symptoms.
But before taking any treatment, you should consult your doctor about the possible risks and benefits. Individualized treatment plans are able to better meet the specific needs of women and ensure a safe and effective menopause.
In summary, through a balanced diet, moderate exercise, adequate sleep, psychological support, and medical intervention, women can go through menopause more smoothly and maintain their physical and mental health and quality of life.
References are as follows:
[1] Menopausal transition and cardiovascular risk
[2] Prevalence and research progress of menopausal syndrome in women
[3] Correlation analysis of menopausal syndrome with reduced bone mineral density in Chinese women: a survey study on the prevention of osteoporosis
[4] Expert consensus on the management of women's mental health during the years