Menopause marks the date of the last menstruation, as well as the beginning of a stage of physical and emotional changes that affect women. Above all, today, when due to the increase in life expectancy, women must live with postmenopause for probably a third of their lives. Addressing both cellular aging and the consequences of decreased estrogen levels in the skin, hair, muscles, bones, blood supply and vaginal area.
Health problems at the end of the reproductive stage
Cellular deterioration becomes present after aging. Similarly, pathologies associated with menopause appear. One of them being tumors in the ovaries, the endometrium and the breasts. Demanding an early diagnosis, since, by not being treated in time, they can turn into cancer, putting life at risk.1
Heart problems, after menopause, appear due to the alteration in estrogen levels. Causing little flexibility in the blood vessels. Complicating the passage of nutrients through the blood and the correct pumping of the heart. Developing arrhythmias, murmurs, and heart failure, which can lead to fainting, breathing problems, or death. 2
Osteoporosis is one of the diseases related to postmenopause. Since, the levels of hormones are low, accelerating the reabsorption of the bones. Which implies that more bone mass is lost than is produced; leading to descaling. Promoting fractures, spinal problems, stooped posture, and back pain.
The metabolic syndrome is another of the pathologies associated with the stage that women live after menopause. Essentially because the decrease in the amount of hormones that are secreted increases abdominal fat, alters the lipid profile and has a greater predisposition towards diabetes. Even more so, when risk factors such as obesity and hypertension are present.3
Urinary incontinence after 50 years, in women, can also appear due to the alteration of the abdominal muscles and the lack of firmness of the pelvic floor. By causing the bladder to change position, releasing a little urine. Likewise, it can occur due to the lack of elasticity and lubrication of the urinary tract and vagina.
Sexual dysfunction can occur after menopause, because the drop in estrogen levels causes a lack of vaginal lubrication. Leading to generate disinterest in women. Specifically because in most cases intercourse is painful, there is less intensity in the arousal and orgasm is not easily achieved.4
After menopause many diseases can appear, affecting the quality of life. But, following healthy habits and seeking the guidance of a health professional will put into practice some tips, techniques and use medications to alleviate the symptoms. In such a way, that this stage of life is lived full of well-being, vitality and health.
References:
- Cuello F. Mauricio A., Pomés C. Cristián, Brañes Y. Jorge, Barrena G. Nicanor, Mayerson B. David, Wild A. Rodolfo. OVARIC TUMOR IN POST-ENOPAUSE: CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT ITS CURRENT MANAGEMENT. Rev. chil. obstet. gynecol. [Internet]. 2003 [citado 2021 Abr 14]; 68 (2): 97-111. Available in:
https://scielo.conicyt.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0717-75262003000200003&lng=es
http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0717-75262003000200003
- Padró Suárez Lissetti, Pelegrín Martínez Antonio Ángel. Perimenopause and cardiovascular risk. MEDISAN [Internet]. 2011 Oct [citado 2021 Abr 14]; 15 (10): 1485-1492. Available in:
http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1029-30192011001000018&lng=es.
- Rojas J Sara, Lopera V Johan Sebastián, Cardona V Jonathan, Vargas G Natalia, Hormaza A Marfa Patricia. Metabolic syndrome in menopause, key concepts. Rev. chil. obstet. gynecol. [Internet]. 2014 [citado 2021 Abr 14]; 79 (2): 121-128. Available in:
https://scielo.conicyt.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0717-75262014000200010&lng=es.
http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0717-75262014000200010.
Four. Melodie Sánchez Izquierdo, Emilio Hernández García. Climacteric and sexuality. Rev. Elec.trim. sick [internet] 2015. [ consultado 14 abril 2021]; 40: 76-85. Available in: http://scielo.isciii.es/pdf/eg/v14n40/clinica4.pdf.