Across our lifespan, our bodies experience many changes. One major change that women will go through is menopause. Menopause refers to the end of menstruation and is said to occur when a woman has not had a menstrual period 12 months. This will normally occur in women aged 50-55 years although it can occur earlier due to genetics or secondary to surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
For women approaching menopause, the production of ‘female’ hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) by the ovaries starts to slow down. Hormone levels tend to fluctuate and you may notice changes in your menstrual cycle such as:
- Menstrual cycles may become longer, shorter or totally irregular
- Bleeding may become lighter
- Bleeding may become unpredictable and heavy (seek advice from your doctor).
Eventually, your hormone levels will fall to a point where your ovaries stop releasing eggs, your menstruation (periods) cease altogether and menopause is reached.
A significant change that occurs around menopause is weight gain, especially around the tummy. This can not only feel uncomfortable for women but it also increases the risk of developing other chronic health conditions such as breast cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Reduced oestrogen levels is associated with a decrease in collagen synthesis and reduction in strength and density of soft tissue structures like tendons and muscles as well as reduction in bone mineral density.
Benefits of exercise during and post- menopause include:
- Improved sleep and reduction in sleep disturbances experienced
- Improved mood
- Improved weight control
- Increased/maintained bone mineral density
- Reduced risk of developing a chronic disease
- Reduced stress
- Improved balance and falls prevention
- Improved muscle strength and endurance and reduced risk of tendon overuse/overload
For further advice regarding appropriate exercises, call us at Whittlesea Physiotherapy on 03 9716 2250 to arrange an appointment with our Accredited Exercise Physiologist or physiotherapists.