Health for the menopausal woman

Menopause means a woman has exhausted all her egg supplies in her ovaries.  Clinically, it is defined as the cessation of periods for 12 months or more.

The health impact related to the menopause is largely due to a decline in the female hormone (oestrogen) level as a result of the lack of egg production.  The other important change is that one is also getting older since menopause usually occurs in a woman’s early 50s.

The most important health issues at this stage are bone health and cardiovascular health.  This means one should take measures to minimise the risk of osteoporosis, hypertension and heart attacks.

The most important measure is probably regular exercises as exercises are beneficial to the protection of both heart and bones.  A good regimen of exercises should include aerobic exercises, weight training and balance building.

Regular bone density screening is also advisable in addition to regular Pap smear and breast mammogramme.  One’s calcium intake and vitamin D exposure should be assessed as they are relevant to osteoporosis and cardiovascular health.

In the presence of menopausal symptoms, short-term standard HRT is still very effective and safe treatment.

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