WHS_menopause

Menopause

Women are living longer than ever before... better, too. As your body changes, however, so do your health care needs. Keep abreast of the changes and head off potential health threats with the guidelines listed below. Women's Health Services team of professional medical care providers are here to support optimum health and wellbeing throughout all stages of menopause.

40's
Now's the best time to lay the foundation for good health in your later years.

What's Happening Now
Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels may contribute to a host of perimenopausal symptoms, including irregular periods mood swings, insomnia, headaches, heart palpitations, hot flashes and joint aches and pains, especially after age 45. As you grow older, the rate at which your body burns calories declines by an estimated four to five percent with each decade of life, making it harder to keep off unwanted pounds.

50's
You're entering a new phase of life. Make it your best yet by keeping active and healthy.

What's Happening Now
Sharply lower estrogen levels after menopause may lead to hot flashes and vaginal dryness and contribute to more rapid bone loss. Some women may notice a shift in fat distribution from the hips and thighs to the abdomen, associated with greater health risks.
What You Can Do
Break a sweat. Exercise, such as brisk walking, may help relieve hot flashes, keep your heart in shape, slow bone loss, and keep weight in check.
Consume more calcium. You need 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams daily after menopause. Best sources: low-fat dairy products.
Get plenty of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for optimal calcium absorption. You need 400 units daily. Milk is vitamin-D fortified and sunlight is another good source of vitamin D.

60's
Many women continue to enjoy good health throughout their 60's and even well into their 70's and 80's. You can too!

What's Happening Now
Postmenopausal bone loss slows down, but doesn't stop altogether. Muscle mass deteriorates, too, sometimes making it more difficult to climb stairs, lift groceries (or grandchildren) and maintain everyday routines. Connective tissue in joints becomes less elastic, leading to stiffer joints and decreased flexibility.
What You Can Do
Pump some iron. Strength training can increase muscle mass, thereby improving fitness and function. Simple stretches and brisk walking can help maintain fitness, as well.
Keep up your calcium and vitamin D intake. You need 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams daily. After age 70, your need for vitamin D rises from 400 to 600 units.

Your Annual Checkup
All women over 45 should regularly undergo the following health screening tests:

Several cancer screening: Every two to three years after three consecutive negative tests, or as recommended by your doctor.	Pelvic exam: Annually to check the health of your reproductive organs.
Breast exam: Annually by your physician to detect breast lumps or masses of concern; monthly by you, if you wish.	Mammogram: Every one to two years in your forties and every year beginning at age 50 to screen for breast cancer.
Lipid profile: Annually, depending on payer source	Blood pressure: Annually to check for high blood pressure (130/80 or higher).
Bone density test: Recommended for all women ages 65 and older; may be recommended for younger women with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis.	Fasting glucose test: If indicated.
Colon cancer screening: Regular screening beginning at age 50. (Fecal occult blood test annually, or flexible sigmoidoscopy every Five years, or annual fecal occult blood test plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years, or double contrast barium enema every five years, or colonoscopy every 10 years.)	Immunizations: Annual influenza vaccine beginning at age 50; tetanus-diptheria every 10 years.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone screening: Every five years beginning at age 50 to check for thyroid problems.	Back to Gynecology