Health risks linked to the menopause
As life expectancy has increased, you can expect to be post-menopausal for at least one third of your life. This is why it’s important to think of the menopause as a long-term female hormone deficiency.
Like any other deficiency, this is associated with several health risks.
Osteoporosis
This is a condition that weakens the bones and makes them likely to break much more easily. Bone is a living tissue which regenerates throughout our lives, and oestrogen helps to keep your bones strong and healthy. The risk of osteoporosis increases during menopause, when bones begin to break down more quickly than they can be rebuilt. Women can lose up to 10% of their bone strength in the five years after menopause, as a direct result of the drop in oestrogen.
Cardiovascular disease
Oestrogen helps to keep your blood vessels healthy, and can also help to control cholesterol levels. This is why low oestrogen can affect the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and vascular dementia.
Diabetes
Oestrogen is important at maintaining blood sugar levels and low levels of oestrogen can lead to metabolic changes occurring in the body. This can lead to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Dementia and clinical depression
Oestrogen and testosterone are really important to maintain the function of your brain. The cells in the brain need these hormones to process information and work properly. After the menopause, women are more likely to develop dementia and also clinical depression when the levels of these protective hormones reduce.
Other diseases
Research has shown that women who have an early menopause also have an increased risk of lung diseases including asthma, kidney diseases, bowel cancer and irritable bowel syndrome, osteoarthritis and also some auto-immune conditions.
These risks increase if you have an early menopause, but it’s important to know that these risks can be reduced if you take hormone treatment such as HRT.
There are things you can do to help with symptoms. There are also medicines that can replace the missing hormones and help relieve your symptoms.
Hot flushes and night sweats
There are some medicines that can help with hot flushes and night sweats. These include:
A blood pressure medicine called Clonidine
An epilepsy medicine called Gabapentin
Talk with a GP about these medicines and their side effects, and if they might be suitable for you.
Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause is the period before the menopause. Perimenopause starts when the amount of oestrogen made by the ovaries begins to decline. It usually begins in your 40s, although it can start earlier.
Menopause is when you have not had your monthly period for at least 12 months. Menopause is only one day in your life.
Find out more by visiting our Perimenopause and Menopause information page.
Rock My Menopause
Rock My Menopause was set up to give women the confidence to recognise and discuss their symptoms and equip families, friends, employers and the wider public with information about the menopause to support women at this time of life.
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www.rockmymenopause.comBalance Menopause
Balance are on a mission to make support with the menopause inclusive and accessible to all women, and trans and non-binary people.
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www.balance-menopause.comHot flushes and night sweats
There are some medicines that can help with hot flushes and night sweats. These include:
a blood pressure medicine called Clonidine
an epilepsy medicine called Gabapentin
Talk with a GP about these medicines and their side effects, and if they might be suitable for you.Mood symptoms
Antidepressants can help with mood symptoms if you’ve been diagnosed with depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy which can help with:
Low mood and anxiety caused by menopause and perimenopause
Some physical symptoms like hot flushes and joint painMenopause Matters
Menopause Matters is an award winning, independent website providing up-to-date, accurate information about the menopause, menopausal symptoms and treatment options.
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www.menopausematters.co.ukMenopause and Me
Menopause and Me is dedicated to supporting women throughout the menopause journey.
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www.menopauseandme.co.uk