Heart attack and diabetes – risks are greater before menopause

For many, many reasons, it is not easy to be a woman. Period is one of the “challenges” women are facing every month. A new study shows us that the pain is not women’s only problem regarding this matter. It seems like they are at a greater risk of developing heart attack and diabetes in the years before menopause.

Dr. Mark DeBoer, researcher at University of Virginia School of Medicine, who lead the study, said that there are higher risks of stroke related to the time before menopause and less after it has occurred. The reason why this is happening is still unclear, but there are some improvements women can do if they want to live a healthier life.  They should pay more attention to their diet and exercise habits. Out-door activies are recommended as much as possible and also they should try to cut out fast-food from their eating habits.

For this study, researchers used a sample of 1470 white and African-American women. Some changes were seen, as the waist size spiked more after menopause and the blood pressure increased. They were examined by researchers who tried to figure out when the heart attack and diabetes are possible: before or after the menopause. The main cause for those diseases is an unhealthy lifestyle: obesity, smoking or inactivity. Women between ages 45 and 55 should pay more attention if they want to enjoy life as much as possible. Menopause usually happens in that period. The best solution is to be aware even if you are a teenager because there will be a time where all the junk food and inactivity will turn against your health.

But what does menopause mean? Well, when a woman reaches a certain age (usually is around her 50’s), the ovaries curb production of estrogen and progesterone stops. That is when women are no longer able to get pregnant by natural ways and they can also say “goodbye” to menstruation. At menopause, women experience many symptoms such as vaginal dryness or hot flashes.  There are some treatments to make them feel better but there is no need to worry as  the symptoms will disappear.

As heart attack and diabetes risks are increasing in severity before menopause, women should be aware of taking care of their health. Keep in mind that outdoor activity and diets can help you at any age.

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