Monthly periods are one of the most painful time for a woman. From cramps and stomach ache to PMS and endless visits to the loo, periods are undoubtedly one of the most dreaded times of the month. Even though we hate them, there’s no denying that they are an important part of our lives as they not only mark the fertility period but also help in regulating hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in our bodies.
On the contrary, the condition called menopause marks the end of our reproductive period and it comes with its own sets of issues. Menopause is usually accompanied by a variety of symptoms like hot flashes, chills, insomnia, irregular periods, headaches, vaginal dryness, depression, and fatigue among others. It also puts women at the risk of several diseases.
So ladies, here’s a list of diseases that you need to worry about after menopause:
1) Vaginal atrophy
Vaginal atrophy (Photo: Dreamstime)
It’s a condition which is caused by reduced estrogen levels in the body and is marked by inflammation, dryness and thinning of the vaginal walls. Its symptoms include vaginal dryness, genital itching, discomfort with intercourse, vaginal burning, and urgency to urinate.
2) Heart-related disease
heart attack (Photo: Dreamstime)
Menopause also puts women at an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Reduced estrogen levels may cause a number of heart-related conditions like– atrial fibrillation, which is abnormal heart rhythm and high blood pressure.
3) Osteoporosis
osteoporosis (Photo: Dreamstime)
It’s a disease in which bones become more porous and weak. After menopause, the rate at which new bone form slows down and the rate at which bone breaks down increases, which leads to decreased bone density and increased risk of fractures.
4) Diabetes
Diabetes (Photo: Max Pixel)
After menopause, the level of estrogen and progesterone in the body fluctuate. This hormonal imbalance can lead to weight change, which can signify increased insulin resistance in the body.
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5) Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases (Photo: Pixabay)
Women are more likely to suffer from autoimmune conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma. This happens due to change in estrogen levels in the body.
6) Gout
Gout (Photo: Dreamstime)
Gout involves increased uric acid level in the blood due to reduced estrogen level. This leads to the formation of needle-like crystals, which in turn causes pain and swelling up of joints. It can be controlled using medication.
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7) Depression
Depression (Photo: Dreamstime)
While mood swings and insomnia are common in phase following menopause, this can often lead to depression. The women having a history of depression in early life are at a greater risk after menopause.
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