Dealing with post menopause problems can be an emotionally draining condition. It is the time in our life when we can have the freedom to do what we want, the children are making their own way in life and our future is ours so why all of a sudden do our bodies cause us these problems. The symptoms of post menopause are unlike those we have experienced before and often the depressing things we hear about the menopause are worse than what we actually feel.

During post menopause the oestrogen and progesterone levels in our bodies are cut by around 50% and because of the changes in our hormone levels the fat distributes itself around our tummies now instead of our hips. Osteoporosis can be a problem as our bone density levels drop and we may have higher cholesterol levels.

A proper diet will help, plenty of calcium rich foods such as  fruit and vegetables, oily fish, nut and pulses and fibre.  This will help to prevent osteoporosis, keep our cholesterol levels low and keep our bodies healthy.

The term post-menopausal sometimes needs a little clarification. It is usually applied to women who have completed the menopause, meaning they have not had a period for over twelve months. This can be due to a natural menopause, or a surgery induced menopause. Women who are taking hormone replacement therapy are not considered to be post menopausal as they may experience symptoms of the menopause when they stop this treatment.

Common post menopausal problems can be experienced any time from the onset of the menopause onwards. After the menopause, women never really stop being post menopausal. Most of the physical and emotional problems that women encounter after the menopause are caused by decreasing hormone levels, particularly oestrogen.

Other serious physical conditions linked to post menopausal women are osteoporosis and heart disease. Osteoporosis is common as women begin to lose bone density more rapidly due to reduction in oestrogen. Risk of heart disease is increased due to atherosclerosis, or the hardening of their arteries.

Emotionally, post menopausal women may experience depression, fatigue due to insomnia, hot flashes and night sweats, and a reduction in self confidence and libido. Although these emotional responses can be triggered by hormonal changes, they may also be related to other factors. Reaching the menopause, and the changes happening in her body, may make a woman feel old, unattractive and worthless and these feelings can trigger depression and lack of sex drive.

So what can post menopausal women do to limit these common problems? Exercise is one crucial way to control these conditions. While we are not talking about running marathons, some exercise such as walking, gardening and light aerobics can have a wide range of benefits.

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