Experiencing the change of life later than expected
For many women, the onset of menopause can be a poignant change of seasons.
It is the end of one phase of life and the beginning of another, and it may come with various symptoms and lifestyle changes. It is defined as the final menstrual period and may be confirmed if a woman misses her period for 12 months in a row, and not due to any medical causes, and her ovaries no longer produce eggs.
A woman is considered to be in late onset menopause if she is 55 or older and has not yet transitioned, which is about one out of every 20 women according to the Center for Menstrual Disorders and Reproductive Choice.
There are many factors, which may contribute to the late onset of menopause, including having high levels of estrogen, body mass index and a family history of later in life menopause. Because body fat produces more estrogen, late menopause can typically be experienced in relation to obesity. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the greater the BMI, the later in age a woman will experience menopause.
While there are several discrepancies between early and late onset menopause, and various factors that contribute to experiencing menopause later in life, a notable component are the potential benefits to late menopause. According to the NCBI, later age menopause has been associated with overall survival and life expectancy and reduced all-cause mortality.
It was also connected with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, mortality from cardiovascular disease, stroke, angina after a heart attack and atherosclerosis, which is a build-up of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls.
Furthermore, the NBCI states late onset menopause is associated with less loss of bone density, reduced risk of osteoporosis and reduced risk of fracture. The decline of estrogen and progesterone which occurs in menopause is linked to heart problems and osteoporosis, thus experiencing that decline later in life reduces those risks. A study conducted by the Naval Medical Center in San Diego even suggested that the later the menopause, the less likely a woman may experience cognitive decline later in life.
The NBCI also suggests, however, that later age menopause may be associated with an increased risk of breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers. This can be attributed to the extended period of time that a woman’s body is producing estrogen. These factors emphasize the importance for women to be regularly screened by their healthcare providers for any potential dangers. The phase of life in which a woman may experience menopause, or should be expecting to experience it, is an important time for women to reassess their health. While late onset menopause may reduce the risk for heart disease and osteoporosis, they are both still very significant conditions to be aware of as they become more relevant once menopause has been confirmed.
There are changes that begin before the official onset of menopause that women can be cognizant of, known as perimenopause, according to the NIA. This change can begin years before menopause sets in and can include symptoms of irregular menses and night sweats. After perimenopause comes menopause and then postmenopause.
One of the first signs of change is irregular periods – which may be different for every woman as some may bleed for longer or shorter, or less or more amounts. The NIA suggests to see a doctor if your periods become significantly heavy, begin to come close together, last for longer than a week or they resume after not having them for a year.
Other signs and symptoms of menopause include the more commonly known hot flashes – a sudden feeling of heat and when the face and neck become flushed. Vaginal health and bladder control may change, as may sleep cycles, feelings about sex, mood changes and physical body changes. It’s important to remember that every woman has her own experience and it may differ from others. While some women may be less interested in sex, others may feel more interested. In order to maintain health after menopause, the NIA encourages women to strive for a balanced and healthy diet, exercise, abstain from smoking and continue to receive regular breast examinations, pap smears and check-ups.
– Katie Ho
Health Fact:
The average age of menopause is 51 years old, according to the national Institute on aging. However, some women may experience menopause as early as their 40s and others later in life, well past 51.
