Midlife Care

Osteoporosis is a disease that gradually weakens bones, causing them to become brittle and prone to fractures. Osteoporosis and its associated fractures can rob you of your mobility and your independence. It is estimated that at age 50, a woman has nearly a 40 percent chance of developing an osteoporotic fracture during her remaining lifetime. A woman’s lifetime risk of hip fracture alone is equal to the combined risk of developing breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer — and up to 20 percent more women who suffer hip fractures die within one year of the fracture than those of a similar age who haven’t suffered a hip fracture.

Osteoporosis

• 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 5 men over 50 will experience fractures resulting from osteoporosis
  
• 85% of wrist fractures occur in women 
  
• The combined lifetime risk for hip, forearm and vertebral fractures coming to clinical attention is around 40%, equivalent to the risk for cardiovascular disease 
  
• In white women, the lifetime risk of hip fracture is 1 in 6, compared with a 1 in 9 risk of a diagnosis of breast cancer
  
• In women over 45 osteoporosis accounts for more days spent in hospital than many other diseases, including diabetes, heart attack and breast cancer. 
  
• Hip fractures can kill you. Hip fractures have a reported morbidity rate up to 24% in the first year after a hip fracture and a greater risk of dying may persist for at least 5 years afterwards 
  
• 40% of hip fracture survivors are unable to walk independently and 60% will still require assistance one year later. Because of these losses, one third of those who suffer a hip fracture are totally dependent or in a nursing home in the year following a hip fracture.

Bone Density Scan

Early detection using bone density measurement is the best way to protect yourself from the potentially debilitating effects of osteoporosis.

How long does a measurement take?

Depending on the equipment, a measurement takes from 5 to 20 minutes. You will be asked to be very still during that time.

How much radiation will I be exposed to?

You will be exposed to very little radiation — in fact, in most cases, less than a standard chest X-ray. As with any medical procedure, be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing, preferably something without metal buttons, buckles, or zippers.

Is a bone density measurement the same as a bone scan?

A bone scan, which may help a doctor to identify certain bone abnormalities such as infection, inflammation, and cancer, requires an injection of radioactive material. A bone density measurement requires no special preparation, medication, or injection.

The menopause transition is a natural part of midlife. The lower amounts of estrogen which occur during menopause cause changes in your body, though this is different for everyone. For some women, the transition goes smoothly. Others find it difficult to cope with symptoms. Don’t suffer in silence. Several strategies - from lifestyle changes to medications – can result in an easier transition.
Besides easing symptoms, medical treatment of menopause can also address conditions related to menopause, such as increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.

Symptoms of Menopause

Hot Flashes

As many as 75% of menopausal women in the United States have hot flashes (hot flushes), making this the most common symptom of menopause. A hot flash is a sudden feeling of heat rushing to the upper body and face.

• Skin reddens like a blush
• Sweating occurs, sometimes leaving clothes drenched
• Lasts a few seconds, several minutes or longer
• Occurs at any time of the day or night
• May be mild or severe
• Happens a few times a month or several times a day
• Continues for a few months, a few years or not at all

Hot flashes are a nuisance, sometimes embarrassing, and may interfere with daily life. But they are not harmful to your health. That doesn’t mean you should put up with hot flashes. Lifestyle changes and medications can help women cope with this symptom.

Sleep Problems

Hot flashes can wake women from a deep sleep. The resulting fatigue may be one of the biggest problems you face, as it can affect your mood, health and ability to cope with daily activities. Others approaching menopause find it takes longer to fall sleep. Problems with sleep can be addressed through lifestyle, nutrition changes and medications.

Weight Gain

Menopause is often associated with a slower metabolism and weight gain, due to hormonal decline, fatigue and sleep dysfunction. Midlife weight gain can be difficult to deal with, but there are several strategies that can help, including healthy food plans to address specific dietary concerns, dietary supplements, targeted exercise recommendations and hormone replacement.

Urinary Tract and Vaginal Changes

The urinary system changes with age. One-third of women experience pelvic floor disorders like incontinence. Some women may need to urinate more often, or experience leakage with coughing, sneezing or laughing. The urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder) can become dry, inflamed or irritated. Women may have an increased risk of bladder infection after menopause.
Loss of estrogen also causes changes in the vagina. Its lining may become thin and dry. These changes can cause pain during sexual intercourse and can also make the vagina more prone to infection, which can cause burning and itching. Behavior modification, physical therapy, medications and surgical procedures address urinary track and vaginal symptoms.

Bone and Heart Risk

Bone loss is a normal part of aging. During menopause, the rate of bone loss increases. Osteoporosis, which can result from bone loss, increases the risk of breaking bones in older women. The bones of the hip, wrist and spine are affected most often. 
Lifestyle changes and medications in the form of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) can help mitigate the increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.

Emotional Changes

Menopause does not cause depression. However, the change in hormone levels may make you feel nervous, irritable or tired. These feelings may be linked to other menopausal symptoms, such as lack of sleep. Stress can make the changes of menopause harder to manage. Many women in midlife are also going through major life changes or experience stress related to money or careers. Some women may be watching children leave home and learning to deal with the "empty nest." Others find themselves part of the "sandwich generation," becoming caregivers for their children, grandchildren and aging parents. If you find it hard to cope, talk to your partner, a close friend, a counselor or your doctor.

Better You Podcast Series on Menopause

CHI Health Women's Health has launched a podcast series for women to learn more about menopause. Listen to learn more about what is common for women going through this phase of life, including nutrition, symptoms, hormone replacement therapy, mental health and how we can help you when needed! 

Listen on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Pocket Casts
• Radio Public
• Stitcher

One-third of women experience pelvic floor disorders like incontinence. Some women may need to urinate more often, or experience leakage with coughing, sneezing or laughing. The urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder) can become dry, inflamed or irritated. Women may have an increased risk of bladder infection after menopause.
Loss of estrogen also causes changes in the vagina. Its lining may become thin and dry. These changes can cause pain during sexual intercourse and can also make the vagina more prone to infection, which can cause burning and itching. Behavior modification, physical therapy, medications and surgical procedures address urinary track and vaginal symptoms.

Learn more about our Pelvic Health center.