After going through menopause, women experience a higher risk of developing a number of chronic medical conditions.  As such, it is of particular importance for women to be aware of these conditions and the steps they can take to reduce their risk.

 

Osteoporosis

During the first few years to follow menopause, many women begin to experience rapid loss to their bone density.  As a result, they are of greater risk of developing osteoporosis. 

If osteoporosis does develop, the woman’s bones become brittle and weak, which increases her chances of fracturing the bone.  Women in the postmenopausal stage are particularly vulnerable to fracturing their spine, hip, and wrists. 

In order to help prevent osteoporosis from developing, it is important to consume an adequate amount of calcium each day.  Ideally, 1,500 grams should be consumed on a daily basis.  Similarly, consuming 400 to 800 IUs of vitamin D is important for preventing osteoporosis.

Getting regular exercise also helps to keep the bones strong.  Therefore, a postmenopausal woman should work with a specialist to develop a strength-training exercise routine that includes weight-bearing activities.  Some exercises that are helpful with prevention osteoporosis and keeping the bones strong include simply jogging and walking. 

 

Cardiovascular Disease

Postmenopausal women are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease because lowered estrogen levels increase the likelihood of developing this health problem.  Since heart disease is considered to be the leading cause of death for women, this health issue is of particular importance. 

In order to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, it is important to stop smoking and to get regular aerobic exercise.  Women should also take steps to reduce high blood pressure by consuming a diet that includes plenty of whole grains, vegetables, and fruit.  In addition, the diet should be planned to be low in saturated fat.

 

Weight Gain

Another common complaint from post-menopausal women is weight gain.  A large number of women do experience this problem when they go through the transition of menopause.  In order to help prevent this from occurring, it may be necessary to cut back on the number of calories consumed per day.  For most women, cutting back 200 to 400 calories is sufficient.  Getting more exercise will also help prevent weight gain while also helping with other problems women face while going through menopause.

 

Urinary Incontinence

Due to the changes that the urethra and vagina go through during menopause, many women also experience incontinence as a complication of the process.  This is caused by the loss of elasticity that occurs.  As a result, women may experience either urge incontinence or stress incontinence.

With urge incontinence, the woman may feel frequent, sudden, and strong urges to urinate.  With stress incontinence, on the other hand, the woman may experience incontinence when laughing, coughing, or lifting.

If experiencing any of these or other complications of menopause, it is important for the woman to discuss it with her doctor.  With the help of the doctor, the proper treatment program can be developed to best meet her unique needs.