Gone are the days when women had to suffer in silence as the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause appeared. Thankfully, it’s a topic now more openly discussed than ever before, but there’s still much to learn. Forewarned is forearmed, so the theme of this year’s World Menopause Day on 18 October is cardiovascular disease and how hormonal changes can impact our hearts.
Dr Paula Briggs, a menopause expert and consultant in sexual and reproductive health, explains that the hormone oestrogen prevents the build-up of a fatty substance called atheroma plaque and reduces inflammation around the heart. As oestrogen levels drop following the menopause, the risks of heart disease can increase.
But heart health is only one area affected by these hormonal changes. Some women develop incontinence problems – oestrogen supports your bladder and urethra, so a reduction can cause pelvic floor muscles to weaken – and ringing in the ears, as the hormone also plays a part in the auditory system.
Other symptoms include the well-known hot flushes, brain fog, insomnia and weight gain, as well as itchy skin, joint pain, skin pigmentation and changes in body odour. But it’s not all bad thanks to relief from period pain and other menstrual symptoms, a decrease in body hair and often a renewed zest for life.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A STICKY SITUATION
Actors Chris Diamantopoulos and Guillaume Cyr bond with Margo Martindale and get beaten up by Jamie Lee Curtis in a riotous new comedy drama series
THIS IS CHRISTMAS ACTUALLY
Love Actually writer and director Richard Curtis gifts the world a new festive film this year
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for peoplepleasers who struggle to put their own needs first
Caught on dashcam injecting her ex with fatal dose of 'poison"
Amanda Hovanec enlisted her lover and her mother in her cold-blooded plot
'I looked better getting married at 53 than I did at 23!'
Wellbeing coach Sarah-Jane Clark, from Swindon, shares how she achieved her dream of wearing a size 10 wedding dress after losing 12st
'I am so looking forward to Christmas'
Helen Flanagan shares her plans for the holidays with her new boyfriend Robbie Talbot and her kids
I'm turning the anger into positive energy
His best friend's death has made Gok Wan rethink life
‘I'm careful with who I allow in my inner circle
Actress and presenter Kéllé Bryan on managing fame and fronting a new fashion initiative
'There were rats..it is a real jungle
Marvin Humes on his I'm A Celebrity experience, backing his buddies and the importance of kindness
'It's not going to be sexy Maura on I'm A Celeb'
Model Caprice Bourret tells new about her festive traditions and starring in and producing a Christmas film