Menopause Health Article

Complications

Postmenopausal bleeding may occur. This bleeding is often nothing to worry about. However, your health care provider should always check any postmenopausal bleeding, because it may be an early sign of other problems, including cancer.

Decreased estrogen levels are also associated with the following long-term effects:

• Bone loss and eventual osteoporosis in some women
• Changes in cholesterol levels and greater risk of heart disease

Calling your health care provider

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 or spotting 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 of menopause.

You can reduce your risk of long-term problems such as osteoporosis and heart disease by taking the following steps:

• 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.
• Get regular exercise. Resistance exercises help strengthen your bones and improve your balance.
• 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

Estrogen and progestogen use in postmenopausal women: July 2008 position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause. July/August 2008;15(4)584-602.

Mosca L, Banka CL, Benjamin EJ, Berra K, Bushnell C, Dolor RJ, et al. Evidence-based guidelines for cardiovascular disease prevention in women: 2007 update. Circulation. 2007 Mar 20;115(11):1481-501.

Nelson HD. Menopause. Lancet. 2008 Mar 1;371(9614):760-70.

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.

National Osteoporosis Foundation. Clinician's Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis. Feb. 2008. Accessed July 23, 2008.

Rossouw JE, Prentice RL, Manson JE, Wu L, Barad D, Barnabei VM, et al. Postmenopausal hormone therapy and risk of cardiovascular disease by age and years since menopause. JAMA. 2007 Apr 4;297(13):1465-77.

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