Health Conditions Women Should Be Aware of After the Menopause

You may think that you are over the worst when you enter the post-menopause stage, but there are certain health problems that you are more at risk of during this time. 

From cardiovascular disease to osteoporosis to urinary tract infections, read on to discover the main health conditions that you should be aware of after menopause and how to look after your health in your post-menopausal life.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections are extremely common for women who are going through menopause and who are post-menopausal. As estrogen levels in your body drop, your bladder and vaginal tissue can change, which puts you at risk of these types of infections. 

To prevent urinary tract infections:

• Make sure that you drink plenty of water to help flush out any bacteria 
• Pass urine whenever you feel the urge 
• Always empty your bladder when you go to the toilet 

 

• Cardiovascular disease

When the amount of estrogen in your body drops during menopause, this can cause your coronary arteries to narrow. This in turn, can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes.

To keep your heart healthy and avoid developing cardiovascular disease and other heart-related health problems, you should:

• Make sure you exercise regularly, aim for at least 
• Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables 
• Maintain a healthy weight 

 

• Osteoporosis 

Women who have gone through menopause are more at risk of weak bones that may break more easily. This is due to the lower levels of estrogen in the body. 

There are several steps that you can take to lower your risk of osteoporosis, including:

• Take HRT 
• Exercise regularly, including weight-bearing and resistance exercises 
• Stop smoking and limit your alcohol intake 
• Take a calcium supplement 

 

• Breast cancer 

Your risk of developing breast cancer increases as you age and is most common in women aged over 50 who have gone through menopause. In fact, around 8 in 10 cases of breast cancer occur in this age group. 

That being said, post-menopausal breast cancer is widely known as being less aggressive than tumors in younger women. Ovarian cancer is also more common after menopause due to longer exposure to estrogen, so it can be a good idea to be aware of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer. 

To reduce your risk of cancer after menopause:

• Make sure you maintain a healthy weight 
• Do not smoke 
• Limit your alcohol intake 
• Be as physically active as possible

 

• Weight gain 

Menopause significantly affects your metabolism, which is why many women start to put on weight during this time. Most notably, women notice weight gain around their abdomen, which puts them more at risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. 

To avoid putting on weight after menopause:

• Try to cut back on the number of calories you consume 
• Incorporate more rigorous exercises into your routine 
• Limit the amount of snacks you eat 
• Lower your stress levels by practicing mindfulness.
  

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