| After a woman reaches menopause she is vulnerable | | | | risk of heart diseases. This is blamed at the fall in |
| to a range of long-term health risks due to the loss | | | | estrogen levels which help in:o Maintaining cholesterol |
| of estrogen. Effects of menopause on a menopausal | | | | levels.o Smoothing and opening of blood vessels |
| woman's health are discussed below. | | | | which help in normal flow of blood and reducing |
| Effect on mental health: Estrogen shows certain | | | | pressure.o Reducing oxygen free radicals which can |
| properties that protect against memory loss and | | | | damage arteries. |
| helps in mental functioning as a woman ages. | | | | Urinary Tract Effects: After menopause women are |
| Estrogen may affect the brain as follows:o Estrogen | | | | at an increased risk of getting urinary tract infections |
| helps in growth of nerve pathways in memory | | | | due to fall in estrogen levels. Estrogen helps in |
| portion of brain.o Estrogen helps in reducing the risk | | | | resisting the infection by increasing the number of |
| of Alzheimer disease by stimulating production of | | | | microorganisms that fight the bacteria trying to |
| neurotransmitters, eliminates free oxygen radicals | | | | adhere to vaginal cells. |
| that play a role in Alzheimer and blocks production of | | | | Other Effects: Sleep disorders, gum disorders and |
| beta-amyloid which is also associated with Alzheimer.o | | | | tooth loss, eye disorders, wrinkles and incontinence |
| Estrogen also opens the blood vessels which lead to | | | | are other health effects that are caused by fall in |
| better flow of blood to the brain. | | | | estrogen levels brought about by menopause. |
| Effect on Bone Density: Osteoporosis is a disease in | | | | Estrogens prevent eye disorders such as cataract, |
| which bones become fragile as they lose density and | | | | glaucoma and macular degeneration. They also |
| after menopause resorption (break-down of bones) | | | | prevent against stress. Research shows that fall in |
| gets faster. This may increase a woman's chance of | | | | estrogens make it more likely for a woman to have |
| getting osteoporosis. Estrogen is believed to have an | | | | gum disorder and tooth loss. Further, estrogens also |
| impact in two following ways:o Estrogens are | | | | prevent slackness in the skin caused by excessive |
| believed to control the life of osteoclasts which are | | | | fat. |
| responsible for resorption.o Estrogens also maintain | | | | Menopause is a natural transition which, if not |
| levels of vitamin D which is an important nutrient for | | | | properly dealt with, may lead to some long-term |
| bone protection. | | | | health detriments. |
| Effect on Heart: Menopausal women face a higher | | | | |