Medical Conditions and Menopause

stethoscope and paper heart

Certain medical conditions can affect your menopause journey. This is something that often comes as a surprise with the women that I work with. That there is a relationship between their health conditions and their menopause journey.

Menopause typically signifies a natural transition in a woman’s life, usually occurring in her 40s or 50s. However, certain medical conditions and treatments can prompt this change to occur prematurely, leading to what is known as early or premature menopause.

Autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, can affect ovarian function and lead to early menopause.

Genetic disorders, such as Turner syndrome or Fragile X syndrome, are also linked to premature ovarian failure.

Additionally, surgical procedures like hysterectomy or chemotherapy treatments for cancer can induce menopause at an earlier age.

Experiencing menopause symptoms before the age of 40 is not typical and warrants a conversation with your healthcare provider. It’s crucial to understand the implications of early menopause on your overall health, including potential risks for osteoporosis and heart disease due to reduced oestrogen levels.

Menopause can also increase your risk of a number of health conditions.

Understanding the Health Impacts of Menopause

Menopause is not just a pause in menstrual cycles; it’s a biological shift that can influence various health aspects. As oestrogen levels drop, women may experience an increased risk of several medical conditions.

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D): The hormonal changes during menopause can affect body weight, fat distribution, and insulin sensitivity. A slower metabolism and increased belly fat can make the body more resistant to insulin, raising the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD): The decline in oestrogen may also impact heart health. Oestrogen is believed to have a positive effect on the inner layer of artery walls, helping to keep blood vessels flexible. Without this effect, there’s an increased risk of atherosclerosis (build-up of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls), which can lead to CHD.

Thyroid Conditions: Thyroid disorders can be more common after menopause. The symptoms of thyroid disease can be similar to menopausal symptoms, making it challenging to distinguish between the two. It’s important for postmenopausal women to monitor their thyroid levels, especially if they experience symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, or depression.

woman having health check by doctor

In the UK many GP practices run well woman screening for women over 50 that include tests for T2D, CHD and Thyroid conditions. If you are worried about any aspect of your health then please have a discussion with your health practitioner. As a Nutritional Therapist I can support you with these conditions but I cannot diagnose. Diagnosis has to be via your GP, DR or consultant.

It’s crucial for women to be aware of these potential health issues and to work closely with their healthcare providers to monitor their health during and after the transition into menopause.

Nutritional Therapy: A Holistic Ally in Menopause Management

As women navigate the complexities of menopause, Nutritional Therapy emerges as a powerful complement to conventional medicine. This approach is not about replacing medical advice but enhancing it with a holistic, personalised nutritional plan that places the individual at the heart of their health journey.

overnight oats in glass jar

Personalised Nutrition: Every woman’s menopausal experience is unique, and so should be her nutritional strategy. Nutritional Therapy assesses individual needs, lifestyle factors, and dietary preferences to create a tailored plan that supports overall well-being.

Holistic Support: Menopause affects more than just hormones; it impacts the entire body. A holistic approach means looking beyond symptoms to support key areas such as blood sugar balance, gut health, and liver function, which can all influence menopausal symptoms.

Phytoestrogens and Supplements: You might of heard that incorporating phytoestrogens—plant compounds with oestrogen-like effects—can help alleviate common discomforts like hot flashes and night sweats. Some women don’t do well with phytoestrogens and it can make their menopause symptoms worse not better. I only suggest these foods if I have a clear understanding of how your body works, what medications you are on and your health history.

Targeted supplements may be recommended in the short term to address specific concerns and support the body’s natural processes. Again, these can only be suggested if I have a clear understanding of how your body works, what medications you are on and your health history. Some supplements can affect how medications work and give you additional side effects.

By integrating Nutritional Therapy with conventional treatments, women you can gain greater control over your menopause journey, finding relief and empowerment through food-first solutions and natural support.

This blog post is here to raise awareness only and doesn’t substituted the advice or guidance given by your health practitioner. If you have any concerns about your health you should always consult with your health practitioner at the first instance.

Lesley xx

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