Women's Healthcare During Menopause

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Menopause refers to when women stop having their monthly menstrual periods. It can occur naturally, or it may be surgically induced as a result of a hysterectomy. Surgically-induced menopause often produces more severe menopausal symptoms than natural menopause, which often produces gradual symptoms over a number of years. Menopause causes changes in the body and can cause unpleasant symptoms, and because of this, the following women's healthcare interventions are often recommended. 

Bone Density Monitoring

Menopause causes hormonal fluctuations, and most commonly, estrogen decline. Women need estrogen to help keep their bones strong and dense; however, once estrogen levels decline as a result of menopause, the bones become less dense, more brittle, and more prone to fractures. Because of this, periodic bone density testing may be recommended to help your doctor assess your risk for osteoporosis.

If your bone density test reveals signs of osteoporosis and subsequent bone loss, brittle bones, or low density, calcium and vitamin D supplements may be recommended to help promote bone health. In addition, your doctor may prescribe medications called bisphosphonates to help treat your bone loss. Exercising, not smoking, limiting your intake of caffeine, and consuming low-fat dairy foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D may help promote optimal bone health during your menopausal years.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Another common women's healthcare intervention for those in menopause includes hormone replacement therapy to help decrease symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, itchy skin, and atrophy of the vulvar and vaginal tissues. While hormone replacement therapy is considered an effective treatment option for menopausal symptoms, it may not be recommended for those with a personal history or strong family history of gynecological cancers such as cancer of the endometrium and breasts.

If you are not a candidate for hormone replacement therapy, consider eating foods rich in soy, which may help diminish your menopausal symptoms. It is thought that soy mimics the effects of natural estrogen, and it may also help lower the risk for breast cancer. While soy is considered a healthy nutrient, talk to your doctor before adding large amounts of soy products into your daily meal plans. 

If you are nearing or have already reached menopause, see your women's healthcare provider for routine checkups. When menopausal symptoms are well-managed, you may be more likely to sail through your menopausal years without distressing effects, such as hot flashes, brittle bones, and risk of fractures.

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28 December 2021