Risks of Menopause

Menopause is a term used to indicate when a woman stops having her menstrual periods. The cessation of menstrual periods is caused by the sudden or gradual loss of estrogen produced by the ovaries. This decreased levels of estrogen can lead to:

• osteoporosis
• sagging of the uterus/vagina
• urinary incontinence

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a medical condition where bones become weakened, fragile and brittle, which can lead to broken bones and fractures from relatively minor traumas. Estrogen helps maintain bone density (keeps the bones strong) by keeping calcium in the bones. When menopause occurs, the loss of estrogen results in the bone density decreasing rapidly, leading to weak bones and ultimately a bone break or fracture can occur.

A diet rich in calcium or using natural treatments to maintain bone density is essential to prevent osteoporosis.

Read more about osteoporosis and menopause here, at Menotalk.com. More information about osteoporosis is available at Osteoporosis-Info.com.

Sagging of the Uterus/Vagina

Estrogen plays an important role in muscle tone in the uterus and vagina. The decreased levels of estrogen from menopause causes a loss in muscle tone in the muscles around the uterus and vagina. The loss of muscle tone means the uterus or vagina can sag, ultimately leading to prolapse.

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a medical term used to describe leakage of urine. There are several types of incontinence, one of which is called stress incontinence. Incontinence experienced by menopausal women is usually stress incontinence. This is when urine leaks when sneezing, coughing, laughing, jogging or during any other physical activity that puts pressure on the abdomen.

Stress incontinence occurs when the urethral sphincter or the pelvic muscles that support the bladder and urethra is weakened and is not able to stop urine flow when there is increased pressure on the abdomen. Estrogen helps to maintain pelvic muscle strength, and when estrogen levels are decreased, the pelvic muscles are weakened and incontinence can occur.