In this third blog post on the menopause transition (MT), we focus on the numerous physical changes that affect the cognitive and emotional health of women. This topic is complex and, therefore, this article is just a drop in the informational bucket, designed to be a launching point of productive conversations between women and their doctors. The main point here is to name some common health issues that arise when a woman is in her 40s-50s that are often treated as disparate “age-related” problems which may be, in fact, rooted in hormonal changes. The goal, then, is to treat such issues with a more integrated approach rather than prescribing separate medications for each of these independent symptoms and conditions.
The emerging scientific consensus is that menopause has direct links to the following — gut and digestive problems; cardiac risk; weight gain; muscle loss and osteoporosis; autoimmune conditions; and diabetes. Real-time complaints look like this: Hot flashes, joint pain, fatigue, feeling weak, dizziness, vertigo, pain in lower legs, dry and itchy eyes, diarrhea and constipation, urinary incontinence, eczema and psoriasis, leaky gut syndrome, heart palpitations, blood pressure changes, weight gain with no changes in diet or exercise, inability to lose weight even with healthy nutrition and exercise.
Here’s the short and sweet explanation for the above. Estrogen and progesterone decrease significantly during the menopause transition. They both have anti-inflammatory properties so any health issue that is drive by inflammation (what isn’t these days?) gets worse. Estrogen also affects cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, the gut microbiome, bone and muscle mass metabolism, circulation and blood flow, and collagen and moisture levels. Again, lot of instability in these areas once estrogen drops off. Women lose bone density and lean muscle mass and gain visceral fat (a 2-4 fold increase in fat, on average). Most of these changes start during perimenopause (late 30s-40s), rear their ugly heads during menopause (late 40s-50s), and then taper off in the post-menopause apocalypse.
Unfortunately for many women, the damage that is sustained during MT means that their sense of identity, mental health, and happiness with their bodies takes a big hit. Also, many women get sucked up into the medical vortex of doctors appointments, new medications, confusion, judgment, etc. at the time of life when they are simultaneously working (peak career for some) and caring for others (kids, aging parents). There are several lifestyle interventions and pharmaceutical approaches that can offset this biologically inevitable process. Most involve shifting perspective on nutrition, exercise, and stress management. These approaches are science-driven and doable with the right type of support. If you or someone you know are interested in counseling support on this topic, call our office at 732-988-3441 to consult with a clinical health psychologist.