Menopause - Symptoms

Complications

The decline in estrogen after menopause can increase the risk for a number of health problems for women.

Menopause and Heart Health

Heart disease is the number one killer of women. Although young women have a much lower risk for cardiovascular disease than young men, after menopause women catch up. After age 60, women’s risk of dying from heart disease is very close to that of men. Estrogen loss is believed to play a major role in this increased risk. Woman who reach menopause before the age of 35 have a significant increase in risk for heart disease as they age. This increase is primarily due to a rise in levels of LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides, and a decrease in levels of HDL (“good”)cholesterol). [For more information, see In-Depth Report #3: Coronary artery disease.]

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Click the icon to see an image of thromboembolism.

Menopause and Bone Density

Osteoporosis is a disease of the skeleton in which bones become "thin" and prone to fracture. In other words, the bone loses calcium and density. At age 65, about 30% of women have osteoporosis, and nearly all of them are unaware of their condition. After age 80, up to 70% of women develop osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a major risk factor for fracture in the spine and hip. The decrease in bone density can also lead to bone loss in the jaw and subsequent tooth decay. [For more information, see In-Depth Report #18: Osteoporosis.]

Click the icon to see an image of osteoporosis.

Urinary Incontinence

The drop in body estrogen levels brought on by menopause can thin the linings of the urethra and bladder, which may contribute to both urinary stress and urge incontinence. [For more information, see In-Depth Report #50: Urinary incontinence.]

Urinary Tract Infections

Because of vaginal drying, women are at increased risk for recurrent urinary tract infections after menopause. [For more information, see In-Depth Report #36: Urinary tract infections.]

Weight Gain

Weight gain is common during a woman’s middle-aged years, especially between the ages of 50 – 59 years. The hormonal changes associated with menopause contribute to these body changes. Gaining weight around the abdomen (the so-called apple shape) is a specific risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and many other health problems. Higher body mass index (BMI) may also be associated with increased risk for more frequent or severe hot flashes.

Click the icon to see an image of different types of weight gain.

Skin and Hair Changes

Estrogen loss can contribute to slackness and dryness in the skin and wrinkles. Many women experience thinning of their hair and some have temporary hair loss.

Review Date: 07/26/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).