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There is a lot of information available for women about the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth. However, many people do not know that menopause can be just as risky. This article will explore some of the health risks every woman should know after she finishes menstruating.
- Urinary Incontinence
This condition is common in women. The female urethra will lose elasticity and the pelvic floor muscles, a result of weak connective tissue as well as hormonal changes due to menopause. This condition commonly affects older post-menopausal women than their younger counterparts.
The pain associated with urinary incontinence is often more acute after intercourse or prolonged sitting because the bladder becomes fuller and presses on other internal organs like nerves or major blood vessels that can cause severe discomfort. It’s vital for all girls who are sexually active to be aware of this problem, so they can avoid it by drinking enough fluids before sex, use contraception like birth control pills (if applicable) and urinate after sexual activity if necessary — even if she doesn’t feel any urge to.
- Breast Cancer
Another post-menopausal health issue that affects women is breast cancer. Approximately one in eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. Breast cancers are most commonly found in the upper outer quadrant of the breasts, and they can also develop anywhere on a woman’s chest.
Women who have had children or experienced menopause may face an increased risk of developing this disease because these life events decrease production levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones, which protect against breast tissue development.
While there is no known cure for this type of cancer, it can often be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy (for those whose diagnosis was caused by decreased hormones), or tamoxifen medication if there is no other treatment available. As mentioned by the people at Bedford Breast Center, if you experience something weird in your breasts, see your doctor for an examination as soon as possible. Some common signs to look out for include:
- Lumps in the breast or armpit
- Nipple discharge (other than when breastfeeding)
- A change in the appearance of the breast skin on one side but not both sides
- Redness and thickening around either part of the nipple-areola area
- Changes to lymph nodes located near to either half mammary glands
- Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can be a severe health condition characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of the bones, making them fragile and brittle. Osteoporosis can lead to fractures or broken bones that cause extreme pain, disability, and even death.
Many post-menopausal women are at an increased risk for osteoporosis because they no longer produce estrogen. Estrogen helps maintain adequate calcium levels in the blood, so those with osteoporosis must take medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) with plenty of water to reduce inflammation caused by arthritis or other conditions; may discuss alternative treatments with your doctor, including vitamin D supplements and bisphosphonates like Fosamax.
- Heart Diseases
After menopause, the risk for heart disease increases. Any post-menopausal woman who smokes should talk to her doctor about using a daily birth control pill or patch along with nicotine replacement therapy. If you don’t smoke, your doctor might recommend using hormone replacement therapy instead of drugs or patches. This can reduce your chances of getting heart disease by up to 50%.
- Midlife Weight Gain
Weight gain is not just a problem for the young and thin. A study found that 60 percent of women in their 40s need to lose weight, with most saying they were “very concerned” about getting heavier.
Maintaining appropriate body weight is essential at any age because being overweight or obese can increase health risks like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Weight gain during premenopause may be due in part to declining estrogen levels that affect your metabolism and decrease muscle mass, causing you to burn fewer calories than before menopause began. This could lead to unintentional over-eating and increased snacking on unhealthy foods such as sweets or salty snacks.
This might sound depressing, but there are some things you can do to maintain a healthy weight.
- Mental Health Conditions
Mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, are more common in post-menopausal women. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about one-third of all older adults will experience a mental health condition each year.
Mental illnesses can occur at any age, but some studies have shown that they may be exacerbated by hormonal changes or other physical effects caused by menopause.
Additionally, many people who suffer from emotional problems don’t seek help because they feel shame or embarrassment over their symptoms or fear being weak. They might not know how to find resources for support either. This is why it’s so essential for family members and friends to notice when someone needs professional attention.
One of the most important things you can do is to be aware and informed. You may not realize that there are many post-menopausal health risks, but by becoming knowledgeable about them, you will be able to take steps to protect yourself from them. Mentioned in this blog post are just a few of the health risks that are discussed. By reading this article, you will be more informed about what to do if these risks occur.
