Late menopause is said to occur when a woman enters this period of life after about 55 years of age. Menopause usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age. Those women who experience it late experience the same symptoms as menopause at a “normal” time interval. However, there are additional risk factors for the development of certain types of pathologies.
Why is menopause late? The exact cause of this phenomenon is unknown, but possible provoking factors include : obesity, hypertriglyceridemia , hypertension.
How does it manifest?
Most of the symptoms that characterize this period of life are caused by the hormonal decline occurring in the woman’s body. Main signs: hot flashes; sleep disorders; night sweats; weight gain; swelling; vaginal dryness, often accompanied by cystitis, urethritis and pain during intercourse; depression, decreased libido.
Late menopause (as well as “normal” menopause) is also characterized by loss of bone mineral density, which, if not diagnosed and treated promptly, can lead to the development of osteoporosis . In addition, menopause increases the risk of developing certain cardiovascular diseases in women. In fact, a sharp drop in the level of female sex hormones favors the occurrence of hyperlipidemia , hypertension, obesity and diabetes - all disorders that represent potential risk factors for the development of more or less serious cardiac pathologies.
Late menopause and tumors
In addition to the risks of the above problems, women during this period are at greater risk of developing malignancies such as uterine cancer and breast cancer. Particularly for this latter type of neoplasm, late menopause represents a major risk factor.
Scientific studies conducted on this topic have shown that such women have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. This may be explained by the fact that women who enter menopause after age 55 have breast tissue exposed to estrogen for a longer period compared to women who enter menopause earlier.
What tests should I take?
Regardless of the timing of this phase, it is usually recommended to undergo appropriate diagnostic tests, the purpose of which is the timely detection of pathologies. This should include: estrogen and progesterone levels, determination of cholesterolemia and the level of blood clotting factors, regular blood pressure checks, PAP test , mammography.
Pharmacological support
Menopause is not a disease, it is a normal physiological process, and this should always be remembered. However, its symptoms can make life difficult for a woman. For this reason, specialists at Bogolyuby MC may decide to carry out appropriate pharmacological correction aimed at controlling symptoms and improving the patient’s quality of life.
Hormone replacement therapy involves the use of estrogens in combination with progestins to compensate for the decrease in their production in the body. Creams, gels and vaginal lubricants are essential to counteract vaginal dryness. Vitamin D and calcium supplements are a preventative measure against loss of bone mineral density.
If the patient has depressive disorders provoked by hormonal and non-hormonal shocks, antidepressants are recommended. Naturally, if late menopause contributes to the development of cardiovascular pathologies, diabetes and/or tumors, the doctor will immediately intervene and choose the necessary therapeutic strategy.
