How does menopause affect my health long-term?
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Research Analysis by Consensus
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Introduction
Menopause, the natural cessation of menstruation, typically occurs around the age of 51. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years and is associated with various physiological and psychological changes. Understanding the long-term health impacts of menopause is crucial for managing women's health post-menopause.
Key Insights
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Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases:
- Women who experience premature or early menopause (before age 45) have a higher risk of overall mortality, cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, psychiatric diseases, and osteoporosis .
- The decline in estrogen levels during menopause is linked to increased risks of cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis .
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Psychological and Cognitive Effects:
- Natural menopause does not significantly impact mental health for most women, though some may experience increased hot flashes and a decline in introspectiveness.
- A long perimenopausal period is associated with an increased risk of depression, primarily due to menopausal symptoms rather than menopause itself.
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Quality of Life (QoL):
- Menopause can lead to a decline in physical health and psychosomatic status, but not necessarily in personal life aspects.
- The transition period is associated with higher levels of somatic symptoms, but its impact on other domains of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is less clear.
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Sexual Health:
- Premature menopause can negatively affect sexual identity, function, and relationships. Hormone therapy is recommended but long-term safety data are lacking.
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Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):
- HRT can mitigate some adverse outcomes of menopause, such as vasomotor symptoms and osteoporosis, but it does not prevent all long-term consequences .
- Compliance with HRT is low due to side effects and concerns about cancer risks.
Conclusion
Menopause, particularly when it occurs prematurely, is associated with increased risks of chronic diseases, psychological changes, and declines in quality of life. While hormone replacement therapy can alleviate some symptoms, it is not a panacea. Individualized treatment and comprehensive management strategies are essential to address the diverse health impacts of menopause.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Factors associated with age at natural menopause in a multiethnic sample of midlife women.
Premature menopause or early menopause: long-term health consequences.
Menopause prediction and potential implications.
Effect of Premature Menopause on Sexuality
Influences of natural menopause on psychological characteristics and symptoms of middle-aged healthy women.
Menopause and quality of life
Does the menopausal transition affect health-related quality of life?
A longitudinal analysis of the association between menopause and depression. Results from the Massachusetts Women's Health Study.
Perceived change in quality of life during the menopause.
Long-term health consequences of premature or early menopause and considerations for management
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