Written by Enas Al-Banna Monday, August 21, 2023 08:00 PM
menopause It is a normal life stage for women, and it usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, indicating the cessation of the ability to bear children. Amenorrhea is defined as the absence of menstruation for at least 12 months, and it indicates the end of the fertile stage.
This biological transition, which typically occurs in the late 40s to early 50s, involves significant hormonal shifts, particularly lower estrogen levels, which may affect cardiovascular health through various mechanisms.
hormonal changes
Menopause is the end of the menstrual cycle that occurs due to the loss of the function of the ovarian follicles, which means that the ovaries stop releasing eggs for fertilization, as a result there is a decrease in the level of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which is a natural biological process, but early menopause can also occur when the ovary is affected Women undergoing treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgical removal of the ovaries.
Health effects
Dr. Muhammad Hassan, a consultant gynecologist and obstetrician at the Faculty of Medicine, Kasr Al-Ainy, said, in exclusive statements to “The Seventh Day”, that menopause causes hormonal changes that affect a woman’s physical, emotional, mental and social health. Symptoms include vascular motility problems such as hot flashes and night sweats, in addition to dehydration. Painful vagina and intercourse.
He added that the decrease in estrogen after menopause has long-term effects, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease due to the protective effects of the hormone. In addition, the decrease in estrogen contributes to the loss of bone density, which leads to a higher rate of osteoporosis and fractures. , especially hip fractures.
The effect of hormonal changes on bone health
Dr. Mohamed Hassan pointed out that the significant decrease in estrogen levels after menopause directly affects bone health, estrogen plays a vital role in maintaining bone density by preventing bone resorption and promoting bone formation, and with the decrease in estrogen, resorption may exceed Bone formation changes, which leads to a gradual loss of bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis and its fragility indicate osteoporosis, which increases the susceptibility to fractures, especially in the wrists, hips and spine.
Effect of hormonal changes on cardiovascular health
It is noteworthy that the production of fertility hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, decreases during menopause, which affects the various body systems. It is worth noting that estrogen protects the cardiovascular system.
Decreased estrogen after menopause increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, unfavorable changes in lipid profile, and impaired vascular function. The collective effect of these factors increases the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disorders after menopause.
The effect of hormonal changes on public health
The hormonal changes caused by menopause can also affect a woman’s overall well-being. Many women experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms can affect physical, emotional, and psychological health. Mood swings can be attributed to and irritability and increased susceptibility to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety to hormonal fluctuations during menopause. Sleep disorders can exacerbate these problems.
While menopause increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, it is essential to remember that each person’s risk varies depending on things like genes, lifestyle, and general health. Some of these risks can be reduced by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and diet. Nourishing, smoking cessation and stress management.
2023-08-21 17:00:00
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