This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »
There's a period of falling oestrogen from 45-50 (perimenopause).
Actually they start falling from 18, more so after 30, and noticeably a lot more after 45.)
You'll first notice increasing dryness in the vagina, lower libido, and need more stimulation to become aroused.
Most women cease menstruating during their 50th year. This is the moment we call menopause.
Many women experience hot flushes - which are also the cause of night sweats and broken sleep. For most, the hot flushes pass after a few years, but for a few they can last 12-20 years. The only solution is to dress in layers, carry a fan, and have multiple layers on the bed.
After that the skin's dryness and wrinkles start to show much more.
If not sexually active, the vagina shrinks and intercourse can become painful (tears to the skin can make it hard to walk for several days after until it heals).
By 60, the cartilage in the spine starts to ossify and the spine shrinks, on average by 1/2" (15mm) per ten years. We become shorter, and any curvature of the spine becomes more obvious - though can be counteracted by physiotherapy or yoga.
Weight bearing exercise, vit D and calcium, and adequate sunshine (approx 15% per day) is vital for prevention of osteoporosis. Bone loss is very slow, but inevitable if one doesn't take precautions. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to osteopenia and broken bones by 65.
Mood problems are also a problem for many - and if mood or depression has been a problem in the past, they can become worse: reactivity, sensitivity, self-doubt, low confidence, disappointment over failures or lost opportunities, and so on. If a woman has good friends, good relationships and good support, this aspect can be weathered without too much difficulty. If it gets really bad, don't hesitate to ask for help.
General self health care and healthy lifestyle make a huge difference to aging well.
I would seriously consider taking hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) from 50 years old if affordable. It makes a huge difference to health and wellbeing, and the previous concerns about increased heart risk have subsequently been proved unfounded. - But don't take my word for it; do your own research.
If I had my time over, I would definitely take HRT. The hormones are now synthesized, no animals harmed.
Actually they start falling from 18, more so after 30, and noticeably a lot more after 45.)
You'll first notice increasing dryness in the vagina, lower libido, and need more stimulation to become aroused.
Most women cease menstruating during their 50th year. This is the moment we call menopause.
Many women experience hot flushes - which are also the cause of night sweats and broken sleep. For most, the hot flushes pass after a few years, but for a few they can last 12-20 years. The only solution is to dress in layers, carry a fan, and have multiple layers on the bed.
After that the skin's dryness and wrinkles start to show much more.
If not sexually active, the vagina shrinks and intercourse can become painful (tears to the skin can make it hard to walk for several days after until it heals).
By 60, the cartilage in the spine starts to ossify and the spine shrinks, on average by 1/2" (15mm) per ten years. We become shorter, and any curvature of the spine becomes more obvious - though can be counteracted by physiotherapy or yoga.
Weight bearing exercise, vit D and calcium, and adequate sunshine (approx 15% per day) is vital for prevention of osteoporosis. Bone loss is very slow, but inevitable if one doesn't take precautions. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to osteopenia and broken bones by 65.
Mood problems are also a problem for many - and if mood or depression has been a problem in the past, they can become worse: reactivity, sensitivity, self-doubt, low confidence, disappointment over failures or lost opportunities, and so on. If a woman has good friends, good relationships and good support, this aspect can be weathered without too much difficulty. If it gets really bad, don't hesitate to ask for help.
General self health care and healthy lifestyle make a huge difference to aging well.
I would seriously consider taking hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) from 50 years old if affordable. It makes a huge difference to health and wellbeing, and the previous concerns about increased heart risk have subsequently been proved unfounded. - But don't take my word for it; do your own research.
If I had my time over, I would definitely take HRT. The hormones are now synthesized, no animals harmed.
