Menopause Related Health Risks

As our estrogen level drops at midlife, our risk of coronary artery disease (the most common form of heart disease) and stroke increases. What's estrogen's link to the heart? Some evidence shows that estrogen is associated with a lower incidence of coronary artery disease. Estrogen improves blood flow, helping to  prevent the constriction of the coronary arteries and the risk of a heart attack. Estrogen improves blood lipids; it raises high-density lipoproteins (HDLs or "good cholesterol") and lowers low-density lipoproteins (LDLs or "bad cholesterol"). As such, it helps decrease our risk of stroke and heart disease. An antioxidant, estrogen prevents oxidative damage to the blood vessel walls. The Women's Health Initiative, a 15-year National Institutes of Health Study, is currently studying 165,000 women to see if estrogen truly is the reason for the lower incidence of coronary  artery disease.

Osteoporosis

During the five to six years immediately following menopause, we're at our highest risk of developing osteoporosis, the debilitating, bone-thinning disease that can result in breaks and fractures, chronic pain, a curved back and loss of independence. Our reduced  estrogen level is believed to be the main cause of this accelerated bone loss. For most women, estrogen replacement is an effective treatment that helps keep our bones strong and prevents osteoporosis. It is particularly effective when combined with adequate amounts of calcium, Vitamin D  and weight-bearing exercise. Other  prescription treatments for osteoporosis include bisphosphonates, calcitonin and Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMS). Check with  your doctor about osteoporosis and the various treatments available.

Incontinence, Urinary Urgency and Frequency

Midlife is the time when some of us may begin to experience a variety of urinary problems, including urinary urgency, frequency and incontinence (the accidental leakage of urine). These problems are common, sometimes only temporary, and often treatable. Whether due to embarrassment or lack of awareness of available  treatments, the average woman with incontinence waits 1-1/2 years before seeking medical help. Studies show that estrogen replacement can help  provide relief for some urinary  problems. The estrogen can be in  the form of a pill or patch. Vaginal estrogen creams are another option for treating incontinence and can be used in conjunction with an estrogen pill or patch. Since vaginal estrogen creams can stain underwear and  lingerie, many women wear a thin pantiliner to overcome the problem.

Alzheimer's Disease

Though not proven, there appears to be a link between the lack of estrogen and Alzheimer's disease, a degenerative disease characterized by memory loss and physical deterioration. Studies show that postmenopausal women on HRT score better on memory tests than women who are not taking  hormones. One study showed that women on HRT are 30% less likely  to get Alzheimer's. There is some  evidence that estrogen plays a  role in helping us recall facts and  preserve memory.