If you’re creeping up on the age of menopause, Marla Ahlgrimm says that you should understand how hormone changes are likely to affect you. Keep reading for more information on how your ever-changing chemical messengers can affect everything from your brain to your reproductive system.
Heart health
Your hormones, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, play a significant role in your overall cardiovascular health. However, as estrogen begins to slow, your doctor might discuss with you an elevated risk of heart attack or stroke. Fortunately, diet, lifestyle, age, family history, and other factors play a role in heart health, so listen to your doctor in regards to changes you might make that will help you even out the odds.
Nervous system and brain
Some researchers think they have found a link between estrogen depletion and Alzheimer’s disease. However, as Marla Ahlgrimm explains, more research is needed on that topic. One thing that is for certain, however, and that is that lower estrogen levels can create biochemical fluctuations within the brain that can affect your mood and short-term memory.
Reproductive system
Marla Ahlgrimm reports that most women accept without question that menopause is the end of the reproductive years. This is universally true as menopause marks the completion of a hormone cycle that began during adolescence.
Skin
While waning hormones create many invisible symptoms, there are a few that everyone can see. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that the skin, being the largest organ and the most visible, often exhibits telltale signs of menopause. This might include increased dryness and more prominent wrinkles. Further, women who’ve undergone menopause will most likely bruise more easily.
Urinary tract
Estrogen depletion also affects the urinary system. During menopause, you may experience a higher number of UTIs and may find it more difficult to control urine flow during physical activity or exuberant laughter.
