Menopause: lasting physical changesAs well as the signs of menopause we have listed, which usually last for several months or years, some longer-term body changes get a hurry-on at around the time of menopause. These may be caused by both the altered output of sex hormones and other physiological and biochemical changes that affect men as well as women. They typically occur over many years and include some or all of the following. ? There is a reduction in bone strength and density that is most pronounced in the first five to six years after menopause. Whether this translates into an increased risk of fractures depends on many things, including the strength of the bones in the first place (that is, the peak bone mass) and the rate at which bones lose density. (Men experience a similar decline in bone density in later life, but not the rapid loss that women have in the first few years after menopause.) ? The strength of the support tissues of the body, such as muscles and cartilage, may also decline. This can lead to backache, joint and muscle pain, and trouble with your 'waterworks' from time to time. A prolapse may also occur if the uterus, bladder or bowel moves down into the vagina because of weakened pelvic muscles and ligaments. Surgery or the insertion of a polythene ring or pessary into the vagina may be necessary to lift the pelvic organs away from the pelvic floor. Occasionally a hysterectomy may be performed to overcome a serious prolapse problem. For some women there is a declining desire for sex ('I'd just as soon curl up with a good book'), while for others, one of the redeeming features of menopause is the discovery or rediscovery of their sexuality. ? The blood flow to the sex organs may be reduced, and the nipples and clitoris may become oversensitive. *12\38\8* Hormonal «Buy Lipitor» |
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