Menopause is a natural biological stage in the life of women between the age of 45 to 55 years, which indicates the permanent cessation of menstrual cycles. When a woman does not have periods for 12 consecutive months, it is medically considered menopause. Although it is considered a normal process of aging, the hormonal changes that occur in a woman’s body after this are no less than a cyclone.
During menopause, the production of the main female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone from the ovaries almost stops. Estrogen not only controls fertility, it also acts as a protective shield for bones, heart, skin, blood vessels and brain cells throughout the body. This is why when its levels fall suddenly, almost every part of the body is affected, but there is one part that starts hollowing out the fastest and most severely.
According to gynecologists and endocrinologists, the organ system that suffers the most profound and irreversible damage after menopause is Bones & Skeletal System of woman.
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Loss of estrogen protection: The estrogen hormone maintains the balance in bone formation and recycling. It controls the cells that destroy old bones (Osteoclasts). As estrogen decreases, bones begin to melt and break faster than they can be formed.
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Huge decline in bone mass up to 20%: According to medical research, women lose almost half of their lifespan within the first 5 to 7 years of menopause. 20% bone mineral density Loses.
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Silent killer ‘Osteoporosis’: Bones become hollow and porous from inside like a sponge. This is called osteoporosis. In this condition, the woman does not know until a minor slip, cough or bending causes a serious fracture in the spine, hip or wrist.
In addition to bones, estrogen deficiency also has widespread and negative effects on other vital organs of the body:
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1. Heart and blood vessels (Cardiovascular System): Before menopause, estrogen keeps women’s blood vessels flexible and controls bad cholesterol (LDL). After menopause, the risk of heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke in women becomes equal to that of men.
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2. Vagina and Urinary Tract (GSM): Thinning and dryness of the walls of private parts (Vaginal Dryness), irritation and frequent Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) become common. This is called genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
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3. Metabolism and Weight Gain: Metabolic rate slows down, due to which visceral fat around the waist and abdomen increases rapidly and the risk of type-2 diabetes increases.
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4. Brain and Mental Health: Menopause causes problems like brain fog (amnesia), lack of concentration, insomnia, sudden hot flashes and mood swings or depression.
Doctors believe that with the right lifestyle, balanced diet and timely medical checkup, life can be made healthy and active even after menopause:
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Get a DEXA Scan: After the age of 45 or 50 or as soon as menopause occurs, consult your doctor and get a ‘Bone Mineral Density Test’ (DEXA Scan) done, so that the density of bones can be accurately known.
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Calcium and Vitamin D3 intake: At least 1200 mg calcium and 800 to 1000 IU vitamin D3 are required daily. Include milk, curd, cheese, ragi, green leafy vegetables, almonds and sesame seeds in your diet and spend time in the morning sunlight.
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Weight-Bearing and Strength Exercises: To prevent bones from becoming weak, make brisk walks, climbing stairs, lifting light weights and yoga a part of your daily routine. It keeps bone cells active.
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Considerations on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): If hot flashes and bone weakness are very severe, hormone replacement therapy may be considered under close supervision of a doctor.
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Stay away from salt, caffeine and smoking: Excessive salt and caffeine increase the excretion of calcium through urine, which leads to rapid weakening of bones. Therefore, avoid processed food and excessive tea and coffee.