Menopause and AgingBy Kerry Wagner

AgingMidlife is a very

broad term describing when a women is between the ages of 45 and 65

Aging can be a difficult process for some people

Society views youth as a standard of judging a women’s value to society

Negative Affects of AgingAge

discriminationLoose capacity

to reproduceChildren move

outDeath of loved

ones (partner, child, sibling, parent)

Increases emotional, physical, and financial stress

Balance caring for aging parents and caring for your children

More susceptible to illness

Positive Affects of AgingRetirementMore time to do

things that you love

Develop new roles in the family (becoming a mother-in-law or grandparent)

Renewed pleasure in long term relationships

Gain a new outlook on life

What is Menopause?The end of a

women’s monthly period

Can occur as early as 40 or as late as 60 (average age is 51)

A series of emotional and physical changes in a women’s body

Ovaries no longer produce enough estrogen to continue menstruation

Overall decrease of estrogen in the body

No predictable rate of transition to menopause

What happens during menopause?

Changes in a women’s period◦ Cycles gradually become shorter and lighter

until they stop all togetherHot flashes/ night sweats

◦ Decreasing estrogen affects bodies temperature control mechanism

Sleep problems◦ Waking up early and not being able to go

back to sleep◦ Relationship between change in hormones

and bodies sleep mechanism

What happens during menopause?

Vaginal Changes◦ Vaginal walls become thinner, more dry, less flexible◦ Less vaginal lubrication is produced◦ Vaginal Atrophy- avoidance of sex because of

discomfortUrinary Changes

◦ Leak urine accidently◦ Increased urine output at night◦ Urinary Incontinence- inability to control leakage of

urineChanges in sexual desires

◦ Less interest in sex because of decreased hormones◦ More interest in sex because a women does not have

to worry about pregnancy or her period

What happens during menopause?

Change in Memory and Mood◦ Memory gaps or inability to concentrate◦ Menopause does not cause depression but

could produce mild/negative mood changesAbnormal Bleeding

◦ Includes excessive bleeding and light bleeding◦ Excessive bleeding could be a sign of a more

serious problem

Hormones Effect on the Body

Decrease in bone density

Mood swings/negative feelings

Relief of hot flashes and insomnia

Dry eye syndrome- decrease production of tears for proper lubrication

Effects on body may outweigh benefits

Medical Options for Managing Menopause

Hormone Therapy:Use to be considered

a miracle drug that promotes youthfulness

Long term benefits being challenged

Hormone therapy increases women’s risk of breast cancer and blood clots

Other Options:Selected estrogen

receptor modulators- prevent bone loss and reduce risk of bone fracture

Bisphonates- reduce bone thinning and risk of fracture

Both have fewer risks than hormones

But not much information about long term effectiveness and safety

Sexuality and AgingSexual feelings are

determined by a women’s perception of her own body rather than age

Difficulties having sexual relations after a divorce or death of a loved one

Lowered sexual function

Some women explore relationships with other women

Use birth control until period stops completely for two years

Changing attitude about sex/overcoming obstacles

Preventative HealthStay Active

◦ Prevent loss of bone and muscle mass

◦ Include aerobic, weight bearing, and strength training workouts

Avoid Smoking◦ Smoking increases

loss of bone density Adequate calcium

and vitamin D intake◦ Help reverse bone

loss and protect against osteoporosis

Eat well◦ Help prevent and

manage chronic health problems

Social and Political Issue with AgingAgeism- society

separates people by age, this separation creates age discrimination

Ageism causes people to feel ignored, marginalized, or invisible

Elderly women are twice as likely to be living in poverty compared to elderly men

Gap in healthcare coverage◦ To young for

Medicare and not poor enough for Medicaid

Researching MenopauseMore research is

needed on basic biology of aging

Not much is known about aging needs of African American women

Studies today are funded by drug company interests

Where to find support?Aging can be very

emotionally and physically draining

Support groups are a great way to share experiences and concerns

Social engagement can reduce feelings of isolation

Support groups can give women strength to get through difficult situations