Menopause is a significant event in a woman's life, marking the end of her reproductive period. For some women, this can be a very joyful time in their lives because it usually means more freedom and less discomfort and inconvenience every month. But for some other women, it can be a very difficult time in their lives, prompting a number of health problems associated with menopause. Some of these can be very mild and temporary, with symptoms disappearing post-menopause. Other health issues, however, can be quite severe. While most are aware of the symptoms involved in menopause, other health risks are ones that you would not normally associate with menopause. The following are a few that are less common, though still significant health risks associated with menopause.
Late-Onset Nearsightedness
Most people, as they age, will develop some difficulty with their vision. They may experience trouble reading small print and have to start using reading glasses or prescription glasses with bifocal lenses. Though rarely talked about, late-onset nearsightedness can sometimes accompany menopause. While you may have had perfect vision prior to menopause, your vision can change drastically several years after experiencing menopause. Late-onset nearsightedness is actually pretty common in post-menopausal women. However, until recently, it has never actually been connected as a health risk associated with menopause. Having your optometrist monitor you for late-onset nearsightedness during menopause will enable you to detect and treat any vision changes before they worsen.
Cataracts
Cataracts are often associated with old age and failing eyesight. However, most women do not know that they are at a greater risk for cataracts and other cornea disorders after experiencing menopause. Women who have gone through menopause tend to be more susceptible to developing cataracts and other cornea disorders, such as astigmatism. This is another reason why it is wise to have your eyes checked yearly during and after menopause. Also, seeing an ophthalmologist or cornea specialist is a good idea because they are more skilled at detecting cataracts and diseases and disorders of the cornea than a regular optometrist. A specialist in Utah LASIK at Davis Vision Center says cataracts are easily removed, and that cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed in the U.S. This means there is no reason to live with impaired vision if your eyes develop cataracts during or after menopause.
Osteoporosis
Post-menopausal osteoporosis is very common in women. However, despite all the advertisements on television featuring celebrities who have post-menopausal osteoporosis, many women still do not know that they could be at risk for post-menopausal osteoporosis. Many women can experience bone loss, as well as calcium depletion. Also, older women tend to not consume as much calcium in their diet as is needed to maintain good bone health. There are also many times when healthcare providers do not warn their female patients about the risks of post-menopausal osteoporosis and do not see the need to monitor their bone health during and after menopause. This is why it is important for you to see your doctor regularly and have a bone scan done every few years to make sure your bone density is not slowly disappearing. Make sure you eat a diet rich in calcium, with lots of dairy products or dairy alternatives such as almond and soy milk. Dark, leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale are full of calcium and can be worked into your diet any number of ways. It can be difficult to get enough calcium intake, even when you consume these calcium-rich foods, so consider taking a vitamin supplement specially formulated for menopausal women.