The Signs Of Menopause And Impact On Your Health

The signs of menopause can be characterised by a dramatic decrease in the amount of oestrogen produced by the ovaries and being as over 300 different types of tissue are known to respond to the hormone estrogen then the effects on the body can be diverse. Some of the main effects are mentioned below:

An Increase in Your Bad Cholesterol Levels

You have two types of cholesterol in your body - good and bad. Pre menopause, women generally have more good cholesterol than bad. The good cholesterol will counteract the bad cholesterol, so the end result is positive. During menopause, and in particular the pre-menopause phase, women can start to lose the high levels of good (HDL) cholesterol. This allows the bad cholesterol (LDL) to rise in relation to the HDL levels, which in turn brings increased risk of heart disease. So keep tabs on your HDL and LDL levels and eat healthily to keep your good cholesterol levels up.

Low Estrogen Can Impact Heart Disease

Many research studies have shown that estrogen plays a vital role in keeping our blood vessels elastic and flexible - meaning it helps to keep our blood flowing at optimum rates. But a reduction in estrogen can lead to hardening of the blood vessels, which can in turn lead to risks of increased blood pressure and even heart disease.

Hot Flashes Could Be On Their Way

It's estimated that about 70 - 80 percent of women going through menopause experience hot flashes and one time or another. Hot flashes are primarily caused by the fluctuations in estrogen levels in our body, but various medications can also bring on hot flashes as well. The good news is that the intensity of hot flashes will decrease as you progress through menopause.

Increase in Breast Size and Firmness

Now this may not seem like too much of a hardship for some women (myself included), but it can have a negative impact on health for women who already have large breast, as it can lead to back and lower neck ache. The increase in size is usually caused by the glandular tissue of the breast (the tissue that produces milk) being replaced by connective tissue (as milk production is no longer required).

Risk of Incontinence

Estrogen is also known to help tone and stimulate the bladder and urinary tract. As estrogen levels decline, this can lead to urinary urgency or even loss of bladder control. I know this sounds bad, but it's easily counteracted and is nothing to worry about. Simple daily exercises that help tone the pelvic area and/or natural remedies for menopause can solve the problem if it occurs.

Bone Density Decreases

As we age, we all lose bone density - both men and women alike. We can take natural supplements that help offset the loss and maintain our bone strength well into old age. But one of the signs of menopause is an increased loss of bone density which can mean you're more prone to bone fractures and at increased risk of osteoporosis. Again, there are many natural and effective alternative remedies which can combat these signs of menopause.