Short-term Changes
It is often comforting to know that many of the changes during this time are not permanent. Night sweats, hot flashes, even changes in our memory can be short term. These changes can be managed through diet and exercise and through other simple lifestyle changes.
Long-term Changes
Changes postmenopause can produce long-term health concerns. The lower levels of estrogen produced by the body reduce the risk of various types of cancer but increase the risk of heart disease. And lower levels of estrogen also lead to loss in bone density, sometimes resulting in osteoporosis. The choices women make early in the menopause transition will have health implications for 10, 15, 25 years. Working with your health care provider to design a plan with strategies that work for you is an important way to lower your risk for long-term health problems.