Top 5 Health Concerns During Menopause

Menopause is the time in a woman's reproductive cycle when she stops menstruating and is no longer able to have children. This can be a turbulent time in a woman's life, as it can be the onset of new health problems or increase the risk of developing others. These are the top five health concerns during menopause.

1. Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are one of the most commonly discussed side effects of menopause. Heat rushes from the head to other areas of the body and, no matter how cold the temperature is, the woman finds it increasingly difficult to cool down. Though there is no absolute "cure" for hot flashes, certain preventative measures can be taken. Maintaining a cool environment, wearing light fabrics, drinking plenty of water, and staying away from hot and spicy foods and drinks are simple ways to prevent hot flashes. If they still persist, a woman should tell her doctor and he or she may be able to prescribe helpful medications such as replacement hormones or anti-depressants.

2. Vaginal Problems

The vagina undergoes several changes during menopause including vaginal dryness and increased risk of urinary tract infections. Vaginal dryness makes intercourse and pelvic examinations painful, just as urinary tract infections cause a burning sensation during urination. Vaginal lubricants, such as K-Y Jelly and Astroglide, are a great way to prevent vaginal dryness. A doctor prescribed estrogen cream is a great preventative measure for both vaginal dryness and urinary tract infections. Urinary tract infections can also be prevented by not delaying urination, cleaning the urethra after urination and intercourse, and, interestingly enough, by drinking cranberry juice.

3. Decreased Libido

During and after menopause, the risk of a decreased libido or loss in sexual appetite is increased. As with other problems during menopause, such as hot flashes, hormone therapy is recommended in the instance of a decrease or loss of libido. Doctors can prescribe testosterone to combat and there are also over-the-counter medications and creams. All of these regulate the amount of estrogen and testosterone in a woman's system.

4. Osteoporosis

During menopause, there is a weakening of the bones which can lead to osteoporosis. It is important to combat this weakening by increasing calcium intake, exercising, and not smoking or drinking. Estrogen replacement therapy is also a great way to combat osteoporosis.

5. Heart Disease

Heart disease is one of the biggest killers of women and the risk of developing it increases after menopause. Again, it's important to regulate estrogen intake if there's any sort of deficiency. In addition to the factors people cannot control (such as age and gender), heart disease risk is also increased by high blood pressure, lack of exercise, obesity, and tobacco use.

"Menopause and Hormone Therapy", http://www.womenshealthcareforum.com/menopause.cfm, Women's Healthcare Forum