Menopause is a condition that all women will definitely experience. A woman can be said to have entered menopause if she does not experience menstruation for 12 consecutive months. Menopause itself usually occurs in women aged 40 to 55 years. Menopausal conditions can cause significant hormonal changes in women, so this can cause various health problems, such as:
- Osteoporosis
One of the health problems that can occur due to a decrease in the hormone estrogen is osteoporosis. This happens because the hormone estrogen has a role in the formation of cells in the bones and helps in the bone compaction process. So because of a decrease in the hormone estrogen, bones become more fragile and break easily. Osteoporosis can be prevented by doing regular exercise, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and consuming vitamin D.
- Diabetes
Women who have entered menopause are more susceptible to developing diabetes because of changes in the hormone estrogen which can affect insulin. This condition can trigger blood sugar to become uncontrolled. To prevent diabetes, this can be done by routinely checking blood sugar levels in the body, controlling sugar consumption, and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
- Heart disease
Menopausal women have a greater chance of developing heart disease than men. This happens because of a decrease in the hormone estrogen in postmenopausal women. Where these conditions can make cholesterol in the body begin to form on the walls of the arteries so that it can trigger heart disease. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help you prevent this disease.
- Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune diseases will more easily attack women who have entered menopause. This disease can occur due to hormonal changes in women that cause the body's system to attack itself. There are various types of autoimmune diseases, one of which is most often found in postmenopausal women is rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory joint disease.
- Urinary Intencontinence
Menopause can cause the muscles in a woman's body to no longer be as strong as before. One of the muscles affected is the muscles in the vagina and bladder. Decreased muscle function can cause urinary incontinence or difficulty holding urine (beser) which can cause urine to leak out on its own without control.
- Mouth and Gum Problems
Reducing levels of the hormone estrogen in the body also greatly affects the health of a woman's mouth and gums. This decrease in hormones can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease in women. To prevent this condition, you can regularly visit the dentist to get early detection and treatment. You are also advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
- Liver Disease
Changes in reproductive hormones in postmenopausal women can also cause liver disease. This is due to a decrease in the hormone estrogen which functions to protect liver function. So, if the level of the hormone estrogen decreases, it will increase the risk of liver disease due to impaired liver function.
The risks caused by menopause can be minimized by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Menopausal women are advised to eat a balanced nutritious diet, get enough rest, and exercise regularly. If you experience health problems due to menopause, you should immediately see a doctor at the hospital so that they can be treated properly.
Article reviewed by dr. Efilda Silfiyana, Sp.OG (Obstetric and Gynecology Specialist at EMC Tangerang Hospital).