Women, while generally outliving men, face a significantly greater risk of developing chronic diseases as they age. Among the leading causes of death in older women are cerebrovascular accidents (strokes), heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. These conditions underline the importance of understanding the unique health challenges faced by women, particularly as they transition through menopause.
Premenopausal women benefit from a natural shield against vascular diseases, provided by the hormone oestrogen. Produced by the ovaries, oestrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining relaxed blood vessels and promoting a healthy cholesterol profile, which collectively support cardiovascular health (Barrett-Connor and Bush, 1991). However, this protective effect diminishes dramatically following menopause. In fact Your risk of cardiovascular disease increases when you have lower levels of oestrogen in your body, as a result of the menopause. This can cause the coronary arteries to narrow and increases your risk of developing coronary heart disease or stroke.
There are many steps you can take to reduce your risk of coronary heart disease before, during, and after menopause.
One of the most impactful actions is adopting healthier lifestyle habits. These not only help to lower or maintain your blood pressure and cholesterol levels but can also alleviate menopause symptoms.
Even small changes can make a significant difference. For example, when shopping, prioritise foods low in salt and avoid items with excessive butter content. If you usually drink full-fat milk with your tea, try switching to semi-skimmed or skimmed milk. It might take some getting used to at first, but you’ll likely adapt to the taste quite quickly, I’ve made the switch myself, and it’s now second nature.
You can also incorporate small, manageable adjustments into your daily routine. For instance:
- Walk or cycle short distances instead of driving.
- Opt for the stairs instead of an escalator or lift.
Regular exercise and eating a healthy, balanced diet, more fruits and vegetables, and fewer foods high in saturated fats, sugar, and salt, can have a big impact on lowering your risk of coronary heart disease.
Postmenopausal Health Risks
With the onset of menopause, women experience a significant escalation in their risk of vascular and metabolic diseases. Menopause-related changes in metabolism often lead to central obesity, a key contributor to conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, sexual dysfunction, and osteoporosis. These conditions collectively undermine quality of life, causing both physical and emotional distress.
For example, you can lower your chances of developing osteoporosis by engaging in regular exercise, particularly weight-bearing and resistance activities, and by eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and calcium sources, such as low-fat milk and yoghurt.
Additionally, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can not only reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis and heart disease but also alleviate many other menopausal symptoms.
You may also want to consider calcium and/or vitamin D supplements, as well as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). If you have any concerns about these options, it’s always best to discuss them with your GP.
Taking these proactive measures can make a significant difference in maintaining strong, healthy bones as you age.
The Cognitive Effects of Oestrogen Deficiency
Oestrogen deficiency, a hallmark of menopause, has profound effects on brain health, particularly cognitive function. Reduced oestrogen levels impair cerebral perfusion, the flow of blood to the brain, triggering a range of neurological symptoms that can affect daily life.
During the transition into menopause, many women experience cognitive decline, which may manifest as forgetfulness, delayed verbal memory, reduced verbal processing speed, and difficulties with verbal learning. Sleep disturbances, mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, and difficulty concentrating are also common during this period.
Research highlights that memory-related complaints during menopause are often linked to factors such as age, the frequency of hot flushes, feelings of stress, depression, and overall perceived health. Even healthy women undergoing menopause can show subtle but consistent changes in verbal memory, learning, and processing speed.
Reassuringly, these cognitive difficulties are typically temporary. For most women, cognitive performance improves and returns to normal after menopause, offering hope and relief as they adapt to this life stage.
Understanding these cognitive changes can help women seek appropriate support and interventions, whether through lifestyle adjustments, stress management, or consulting healthcare professionals.
The health challenges associated with menopause highlight the critical need for targeted interventions and support for ageing women. Addressing both physical and neurological health risks can not only improve quality of life but also reduce the burden of age-related chronic diseases. Enhanced awareness, preventive strategies, and appropriate healthcare policies are vital in supporting women through this life stage and beyond.
Sources:
Postmenopausal health interventions: Time to move on from the Women’s Health Initiative? By Jay Thaung Zaw a, Peter Ranald Charles Howe, 2018.
