As you approach the end of your forties and into your fifties, hormonal changes begin to occur that impact your menstrual cycle. Initially, these changes are slow and somewhat sporadic making your period unpredictable, but eventually estrogen levels drop to the point where you no longer have a period at all. Finally no more cramps or PMS! Unfortunately, there are a host of other unpleasant side effects including reduced bone health.
The Perimenopause Limbo
Perimenopause is the "limbo period" between having a regular monthly menstrual cycle and having no period at all (menopause). Perimenopause typically lasts from two to eight years before menopause and shares many of the same unpleasant menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. Perimenopause typically begins in a woman's forties, but can begin in a woman's 30s as well.
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Menopause Basics
Menopause is a normal stage in a woman's life when her monthly period stops. It is also called the "change of life". A woman who has no periods for an entire year after the age of 45 is considered to be in menopause. Going through menopause may take one to two years and afterwards a woman is no longer fertile (able to become pregnant naturally). Menopause symptoms and onset can vary based on the individual, but the average age of
menopause is 51. Most menopausal symptoms are directly related to hormonal changes taking place in a woman's body that result in the following:
Effects of Estrogen Decline
Rapid bone density loss with increased risk of osteoporosis
Irregular periods
Body changes - hair, breasts, vaginal dryness
Mood changes - nervousness, irritability, depression,
reduced sex drive
Hot flashes - short bursts of warmth and sweat may occur
Other changes - urinary tract infections, headaches, heart
palpitations, insomnia
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Calcium and Menopause
As you reach menopause, you may begin to experience rapid bone loss, which increases your risk of bone-related health issues such as osteopenia and osteoporosis. Calcium taken through your life stages can help maximize your bone mass and minimize the loss of bone over time. Even if you failed to take calcium regularly throughout life, it is never too late to start! It can sometimes be a challenge to find ways to meet calcium recommendations daily, but calcium supplements can help.
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Hormone Replacement
Since the majority of menopause symptoms are related to estrogen loss, the primary treatment option had previously included replacing the lost estrogen through Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). However, recent studies have shown that HRT may raise a woman's risk of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and other problems. Today, there are other natural alternatives to HRT that will help keep bones strong, including proper nutrition and exercise. (Please visit the Heart Disease page for more information and resources on HRT.)
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Menopause Treatment / Tips
- Get adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D to build bone strength
- Exercise regularly, including weight-bearing exercises such as walking and running
- Have a bone mineral density test to monitor early bone loss
- Reduce or eliminate consumption of alcohol and tobacco products
- Talk to your physician (OBGyn) about safe treatment options for relieving menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Be aware that there are many products on the market that have not been tested for safety or efficacy.
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For more information on menopause:
Visit the Links page for Menopause Resources.
Check out menopause treatment options from the Women's circle of health newsletter.
"Personally, I love what the makers of Adora Calcium have done, combining the rich texture and taste of chocolate with the healthful benefits of calcium and vitamin D needed for bone health. Chocolate lovers beware, once you've experienced the delicious taste of Adora calcium you'll never forget to take your calcium again!"
--Rebecca Hulem, theMenopauseExpert.com
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