The Signs of Menopause and Impact on Your Health

The signs of menopause can be characterised by a dramatic decrease in the amount of oestrogen produced by the ovaries and being as over 300 different types of tissue are known to respond to the hormone estrogen then the effects on the body can be diverse. Some of the main effects are mentioned below:

An Increase in Your Bad Cholesterol Levels

Our bodies hold two types of cholesterol - Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL is referred to as "bad" cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein, or HDL is called the "good" cholesterol. When you start menapause, the levels of good cholesterol start to decline, and you lose the health benefits and protection that HDL cholesterol provides. The increased ration of LDL to HDL cholesterol also leads to increase risk of heart disease, so it's very important to check your cholesterol levels regularly and take any corrective action necessary.

The potential for developing heart disease increases

Scientific research has concluded that one of the roles of estrogen is to keep blood vessels flexible and healthy. So when oestrogen levels decline in the pre-menopause stages, blood vessels can start to harden. This can bring on conditions such as high blood pressure and lead to heart disease if not managed.

Hot Flashes Could Be On Their Way

It's estimated that about 70 - 80 percent of women going through menopause experience hot flashes and one time or another. Hot flashes are primarily caused by the fluctuations in estrogen levels in our body, but various medications can also bring on hot flashes as well. The good news is that the intensity of hot flashes will decrease as you progress through menopause.

Increase in Breast Size and Firmness

During menopause, the glandular tissues in the breast which were needed for milk production during a woman's younger years, is replaced with connective tissue. This leads to an increase in breast size and firmness. Depending on a woman's size already, it can have negative health impacts by way of back pain and lower neck ache.

Incontinence

Another role of oestrogen is in bladder toning and control, and maintaining a health urinary tract. The decline of estrogen levels can lead to a condition referred to as "urinary urgency" or even the loss of bladder control. The good news is that this condition can be easily resolved with some regular pelvic exercises and an effective natural herbal remedy.

Bone Density Decreases

As we age, we all lose bone density - both men and women alike. We can take natural supplements that help offset the loss and maintain our bone strength well into old age. But one of the signs of menopause is an increased loss of bone density which can mean you're more prone to bone fractures and at increased risk of osteoporosis. Again, there are many natural and effective alternative remedies which can combat these signs of menopause.

Article Source: http://www.myaddirectory.com

Aimee Clark is a "forty something" mother of two who recently experienced the early signs of menopause. She shares her experiences to help other women through this phase of life. New Menopause Support.com

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