More about Staying Healthy

Role of Estrogen
As women, our natural estrogen gives us a certain level of protection against bone loss and against blockage in the arteries. As we go through the menopause transition and our production of estrogen slows, we lose some of that protection and are more likely to develop problems such as heart disease and osteoporosis.

Heart Disease
Heart disease affects the vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle. It is most often caused by the gradual build up of fatty deposits inside the blood vessels. Over time, the build up narrows the blood vessels and decreases blood flow, which can lead to a heart attack. As women, we really need to pay attention to heart disease — it’s the leading cause of death for women in the United States.

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones. Although we build and lose bone throughout most of our lives, around menopause, the rate of bone loss increases. Bone loss is most rapid during the years immediately following menopause. Over time, for some women, the loss becomes so severe that the bones become porous and weak. This is called osteoporosis. This severe bone loss increases the risk of fracture; the hip and spine seem to be most vulnerable.