Effects of menopause on systems of the body

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menopause

Menopause is a natural decline of a woman’s reproductive system, and it’s signaled when a woman goes for half a year without menstruation. It can occur for seven years on average or even longer, and it mainly occurs in women who are 50 years and above. Besides the lack of menstruation, menopause is associated with other effects on the body, some of which can be hard to cope with, like hot flashes at night. If you are experiencing uncomfortable side effects or want to be sure about your fertility status, then it’s advisable for you to get in touch with a Jackson Heights menopause specialist who will be of great help to you. Experienced obstetricians and gynecologists will offer compassionate and professional support as you go through this phase of life.

Below, we are going to have a deeper look at the side effects of menopause on the body.

1. Reproductive system

Menopause can cause side effects on your reproductive system by causing vaginal dryness and lowered libido. These effects are not permanent since they can be treated with over-the-counter medications.

2. Skeletal and muscular systems

Menopause raises the risk of your bones losing density, increasing the risk of fractures, a condition known as osteoporosis. Loss of muscle mass can also be higher when you reach menopause when compared to before menopause. Exercising regularly will help reduce the loss of bone density and muscle mass and also relieve joint pains.

3. Cardiovascular system

Estrogen is essential in the body, especially in the cardiovascular system, since it provides a cardioprotective effect on your body. Since menopause is associated with decreased levels of estrogens, the risk of cardiovascular diseases increases rapidly.

The lower estrogen levels also impact the body’s cholesterol, increasing the risk of having a stroke or a heart attack.

Your doctor can recommend hormone replacement therapy to counteract some of these changes.

4. Nervous system

Lowered estrogen levels experienced during menopause can lead to night sweats and hot flashes that can keep you awake the whole night, making it harder for you to sleep.

Menopause also causes a change in your mood making you easily irritated. If you have anxiety that persists for weeks then you should seek immediate medical attention.

It can also lead to memory loss which is still unclear to scientists on how menopause is associated with memory loss.

5. Endocrine system

The endocrine system comprises hormones essential for reproduction, including the hormones related to menopause like estrogen.

Hot flashes are among the most common side effects of menopause resulting from the lack of estrogen and can continue to re-occur after menopause for a few years.

Changes in your lifestyle are significant in the management of hot flashes, the intake of caffeine being a huge lifestyle contributor.

Speak to a gynecologist today

Menopause usually indicates a significant change in your hormonal status, accompanied by side effects like hot flashes, which can give you sleepless nights. If you are experiencing any of these side effects described above and you have not had your period for twelve months or more, reach out to the experts. Call or book an appointment online with Raveco Medical who has experienced obstetricians and gynecologists and will offer guidance and treatment options for the side effects of menopause.