Worldwide, approximately 25 million women go through menopausal symptoms each year. As there are about 500 million women aged around 50 and above worldwide, this figure is expected to be increased by one billion by the end of 2015. It is also estimated that there will be 30% increase of women age 60 or older by the year of 2048.

Menopause is a natural and irreversible process menopausal women have to go through, as early as 40s. During this stage, women will experience numerous biological changes.

Osteoporosis

As one of the long-term effects of menopause, menopausal women are at a potential risk of getting osteoporosis. In this matter, they may suffer from oestrogen deficiency, a condition linked to decreased bone formation but increased intensity in bone re-absorption, resulting in reduced bone mass, and increased risk of bone fractures.

Clinically evidence proves that oestrogen is essential for preventing as well as partially reversing postmenopausal bone loss, and hence reducing the occurrence of hip and vertebral fractures.

Cardiovascular Disease

At the time of menopause, women are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease. This increased risk is concerned to be caused by the oestrogen depletion. Recent reports show that approximately 50% of women around the age of 50 suffer from heart disease. Cardiovascular disease together with cerebovascular disease is responsible for 65% of deaths in menopausal women in comparison with breast cancer, which is about 10-14%.

Well, the mechanism behind this scenario might be complicated, as it may involve many factors that is linked with oestrogen depletion, including increased susceptibility to weight gain, raised blood pressure/hypertension, and high cholesterol levels. High blood pressure is always a cause of concern since it may lead to stroke and coronary heart disease.

This means that the incidence of cardiovascular disease increases with the obvious cases of women during the time of menopause and oestrogen is more likely to play a key role in this increased trend. Considering of this health risk, it is particularly important for menopausal women to manage their menopausal symptoms well.

Other Health Risks

It is very common that menopausal women will undergo obvious menopausal symptoms. They include urogenital atrophy, hot flushes, reduced energy and drive, which can significantly affect a women’s health and the sense of well-being. Therefore, menopausal women are always experiencing lower self-esteem and constantly feeling diminished quality of life.

Apart from these menopausal symptoms, they may also experience physiological symptoms. These symptoms may directly link to their sleep deprivation, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, emotional disturbance, decreased libido and sexual dysfunction as well.

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