Possible Complications
Estrogen
is responsible for the buildup of the lining of the uterine cavity. During the reproductive years, this buildup is shed (menstruation). This usually happens about once a
month.
The menopausal decrease in estrogen prevents this buildup from occurring. However, hormones produced by the adrenal glands
are converted to estrogen
, and sometimes this will cause postmenopausal bleeding
.
This bleeding
is often nothing to worry about, but because it may also be an early indication of other problems, including cancer
, your physician should always check any postmenopausal bleeding
.
Decreased estrogen levels are also associated with an increased risk of developing osteoporosis
and possibly an increased risk of cardiovascular
disease.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider
if:
- You are spotting blood between periods
- You have had 12 consecutive months with no period and suddenly vaginal bleeding
begins again
Prevention
Menopause
is a natural and expected part of a woman's development and does not need to be prevented. However, there are ways to reduce or eliminate some of the symptoms that accompany menopause
.
You can reduce your risk of long-term problems like osteoporosis
and heart disease in the following ways:
- Control your blood pressure
, cholesterol, and other risk factors for heart disease
- DO NOT smoke
-- cigarette use can cause early menopause
- Eat a low-fat diet
- Exercise
regularly, including doing resistance exercises, to strengthen your bones
- If you show early signs of bone
loss, talk to your doctor about medications that can help stop further weakening
- Take calcium
and vitamin D
References
Weismiller D. The Perimenopause
and Menopause Experience: An Overview. Clin Fam Practice
. 2002; 4(1).
Stenchever, MA. Comprehensive Gynecology
, 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo:Mosby, Inc.; 2001:1217-1250.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Hormone therapy
for the prevention of chronic conditions in postmenopausal women: recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Ann Intern Med
. 2005; 142:855-860.
North American Menopause Society. Estrogen
and progestogen use in peri- and postmenopausal women: March 2007 position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause
. 2007;14:168-182.
Review Date: 11/9/2007
Reviewed By: Peter Chen, M.D., Department of
Obstetrics
and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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