Menopause is a natural biological process, yet it is surrounded by silence and misunderstanding. Many women going through perimenopause and menopause struggle with the physical, emotional, and mental toll these transitions take on their bodies, but societal barriers keep the conversation at bay.
A recent survey by Abbott, conducted in partnership with Ipsos, highlights this very issue, revealing that over 66% of Indian women experiencing menopause-related issues feel uncomfortable discussing their health concerns even with their families (Abbott and Ipsos, 2023). This lack of communication leads to inadequate care and treatment, ultimately affecting their quality of life.
Hormonal Changes and Their Effects
Perimenopause, the phase leading up to menopause, typically starts in the mid-to-late 40s and lasts around four years. It is marked by significant hormonal fluctuations, primarily the decline in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels. Estrogen, in particular, has far-reaching effects on a woman's body, from cognitive function to cardiovascular health.
Estrogen’s Role in Cognitive Function
Estrogen is known for its neuroprotective properties. Studies suggest that its decline during perimenopause can be linked to cognitive issues such as memory lapses, mood swings, and even an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (Alzheimer's Association). Women are nearly twice as likely as a man to develop Alzheimer’s, making estrogen’s role in cognitive health a key area of research. The drop in estrogen may impair the brain’s ability to function optimally, leading to symptoms of brain fog and a higher likelihood of developing dementia in later years.
Gut-Hormone Connection
The gut microbiome is another area where hormonal changes exert a significant impact. Estrogen and progesterone influence the composition and functioning of gut bacteria, which in turn can affect overall health. A healthy gut microbiome can help mitigate some symptoms of menopause, such as bloating and abdominal discomfort, which affect 30-60% of women during this phase (Leicht C., 2018). A balanced diet rich in fiber and probiotics can help maintain gut health, easing the transition through perimenopause and menopause.
Physical Manifestations
One of the lesser-discussed aspects of menopause is its effect on skin and hair health. A decline in estrogen leads to reduced collagen production, resulting in thinner, drier skin. According to a study conducted by Leicht C., over 60% of women report skin problems during menopause, with dry skin being the most common complaint. This issue tends to receive less attention than vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes but is significant nonetheless (Leicht C., 2018).
Similarly, menopause can cause noticeable changes in hair texture and thickness. Hair loss becomes more prominent as estrogen levels drop, and these changes can deeply affect a woman’s self-esteem. Unfortunately, most health professionals are not adequately prepared to address these dermatological symptoms, as noted by 50% of respondents in the study.
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Cardiovascular Risks
Another critical consequence of declining estrogen levels is the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Estrogen plays a protective role in maintaining healthy blood vessels and regulating cholesterol levels. With its decline during menopause, the risk of heart disease spikes significantly. According to a study published in The Lancet, CVD accounts for 35% of deaths in women globally, and this risk is especially pronounced in postmenopausal women (The Lancet, 2023). High blood pressure elevated LDL cholesterol, and high body mass index further compound the risk.
In addition to these general risk factors, there are sex-specific ones, such as premature menopause and pregnancy-related complications that must be considered. These should be prioritised in treatment and prevention efforts, as noted by the World Economic Forum. However, many women are not even aware of the extent of these risks due to the lack of widespread education on the subject.
Need for Awareness and Support
Despite the numerous challenges posed by menopause, many women avoid seeking professional help. The Abbott-Ipsos survey found that 35% of women experiencing menopause-related health issues did not consult a doctor, with 21% opting for self-treatment methods like yoga, home remedies, and meditation (Abbott and Ipsos, 2023). These points to a deeper issue: the stigma surrounding menopause and the lack of accessible healthcare and psychological support.
In rural and semi-urban areas, this problem is even more pronounced. Social taboos related to menstruation and menopause, combined with poor healthcare infrastructure; make it difficult for women to get the help they need. Although 84% of respondents in the survey believe more women should talk about their experiences with menopause to increase awareness, societal constraints keep these conversations from happening.
Raising awareness about menopause is not just about normalizing conversations around women's health but also about providing the resources and support needed to manage this transition effectively. Both government schemes and healthcare initiatives need to reach a broader audience, particularly in underserved regions. Without proper education and intervention, many women will continue to suffer in silence, deprived of the care they deserve.
A recent survey by Abbott, conducted in partnership with Ipsos, highlights this very issue, revealing that over 66% of Indian women experiencing menopause-related issues feel uncomfortable discussing their health concerns even with their families (Abbott and Ipsos, 2023). This lack of communication leads to inadequate care and treatment, ultimately affecting their quality of life.
Hormonal Changes and Their Effects
Perimenopause, the phase leading up to menopause, typically starts in the mid-to-late 40s and lasts around four years. It is marked by significant hormonal fluctuations, primarily the decline in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels. Estrogen, in particular, has far-reaching effects on a woman's body, from cognitive function to cardiovascular health.
Estrogen’s Role in Cognitive Function
Estrogen is known for its neuroprotective properties. Studies suggest that its decline during perimenopause can be linked to cognitive issues such as memory lapses, mood swings, and even an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (Alzheimer's Association). Women are nearly twice as likely as a man to develop Alzheimer’s, making estrogen’s role in cognitive health a key area of research. The drop in estrogen may impair the brain’s ability to function optimally, leading to symptoms of brain fog and a higher likelihood of developing dementia in later years.
Gut-Hormone Connection
The gut microbiome is another area where hormonal changes exert a significant impact. Estrogen and progesterone influence the composition and functioning of gut bacteria, which in turn can affect overall health. A healthy gut microbiome can help mitigate some symptoms of menopause, such as bloating and abdominal discomfort, which affect 30-60% of women during this phase (Leicht C., 2018). A balanced diet rich in fiber and probiotics can help maintain gut health, easing the transition through perimenopause and menopause.
Physical Manifestations
One of the lesser-discussed aspects of menopause is its effect on skin and hair health. A decline in estrogen leads to reduced collagen production, resulting in thinner, drier skin. According to a study conducted by Leicht C., over 60% of women report skin problems during menopause, with dry skin being the most common complaint. This issue tends to receive less attention than vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes but is significant nonetheless (Leicht C., 2018).
Similarly, menopause can cause noticeable changes in hair texture and thickness. Hair loss becomes more prominent as estrogen levels drop, and these changes can deeply affect a woman’s self-esteem. Unfortunately, most health professionals are not adequately prepared to address these dermatological symptoms, as noted by 50% of respondents in the study.
Video
Cardiovascular Risks
Another critical consequence of declining estrogen levels is the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Estrogen plays a protective role in maintaining healthy blood vessels and regulating cholesterol levels. With its decline during menopause, the risk of heart disease spikes significantly. According to a study published in The Lancet, CVD accounts for 35% of deaths in women globally, and this risk is especially pronounced in postmenopausal women (The Lancet, 2023). High blood pressure elevated LDL cholesterol, and high body mass index further compound the risk.
In addition to these general risk factors, there are sex-specific ones, such as premature menopause and pregnancy-related complications that must be considered. These should be prioritised in treatment and prevention efforts, as noted by the World Economic Forum. However, many women are not even aware of the extent of these risks due to the lack of widespread education on the subject.
Need for Awareness and Support
Despite the numerous challenges posed by menopause, many women avoid seeking professional help. The Abbott-Ipsos survey found that 35% of women experiencing menopause-related health issues did not consult a doctor, with 21% opting for self-treatment methods like yoga, home remedies, and meditation (Abbott and Ipsos, 2023). These points to a deeper issue: the stigma surrounding menopause and the lack of accessible healthcare and psychological support.
In rural and semi-urban areas, this problem is even more pronounced. Social taboos related to menstruation and menopause, combined with poor healthcare infrastructure; make it difficult for women to get the help they need. Although 84% of respondents in the survey believe more women should talk about their experiences with menopause to increase awareness, societal constraints keep these conversations from happening.
Raising awareness about menopause is not just about normalizing conversations around women's health but also about providing the resources and support needed to manage this transition effectively. Both government schemes and healthcare initiatives need to reach a broader audience, particularly in underserved regions. Without proper education and intervention, many women will continue to suffer in silence, deprived of the care they deserve.
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