A Gradual Loss of Bone Mass
Because you can’t feel bone loss‚ it’s easy to overlook it. But you really can’t afford to ignore the “silent” changes that are happening to your bones right now. Although bone loss begins as early as your mid- to late-30s‚ low estrogen levels after menopause tend to speed up the process. For some women‚ particularly those who had low bone mass to begin with‚ this accelerated rate of bone loss takes its toll in the later years. And the results can be—literally— crippling. Weak bones break easily‚ a condition known as osteoporosis‚ and can lead to pain and disability. In addition to bone density‚
gender‚ and age‚ other factors that can increase the risk of fractures caused by osteoporosis include race‚ ethnicity‚ family history‚ and poor nutrition. Fortunately‚ you can take steps to slow bone loss and prevent osteoporosis. (See Bone Up on Bone Health, page 6.)
An Increased Risk of Heart Disease
If you are like most women‚ you probably aren’t too concerned about your heart health. But there is a reason you should give it the attention it deserves. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. You don’t have to accept this
rather grim scenario. In many cases‚ premature deaths from heart disease are preventable. The first step is knowing how at risk you are. The next: making lifestyle changes and taking medications‚ if necessary‚ to protect your heart.
A Lot to Look Forward to Fortunately‚ the transition through menopause doesn’t last forever—even if it sometimes feels that way. What comes next? These are known as the postmenopausal years‚ and for the majority of women‚ this time in your life can last for 25 years or more! That’s a whole lot more living you’ve got to look forward to. “Women today are living longer than in the past‚” says Schiff.
And that’s good‚ but it also means that women today need to be more diligent about keeping healthy for the next 25 years and longer. That’s all the more reason to invest in behaviors that will keep you in optimal health now and in the future so that your quality of life will be excellent—drink your (skim) milk‚ eat your vegetables‚ get plenty of exercise‚ don’t smoke‚ and if you drink alcohol‚ do so in moderation.
“Women are living longer and need to be more diligent about keeping healthy.”
{ When to Call the Doctor
For the most part, fluctuating hormones are the culprits behind irregular periods. But abnormal bleeding can occasionally signal a more serious problem, such as endometrial hyperplasia and even cancer of the uterine lining. If you experience extremely heavy bleeding (in which you must use more than one pad or super absorbent tampon every two to three hours), or if you bleed more often than every three weeks, after intercourse, or between periods, see your ob-gyn for an evaluation.
} SPRING / SUMMER 2012 pause 15
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