In recent years, life expectancy has increased so much that these days 50 is no longer considered old. In fact, it can be a great period of life. However, despite this, women’s bodies naturally undergo changes as we age, and some health concerns can crop up for women entering their fifth decade. This post looks at some of the changes in health that women over 50 can face.
Menopause
The average age of menopause is 51. This marks the end of your reproductive years and a sudden drop in estrogen levels, which can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. You can easily control or even eliminate these symptoms with proper diet and lifestyle changes. For instance, adding more fiber to your diet can help reduce symptoms like bloating and gas. Similarly, increasing your water intake can help reduce those hot flushes. Using Thrush & Bladder Support products can help you reduce the likelihood of developing thrush from changes in vaginal ph levels.
Increased Risk of Some Cancers
As you approach your fifties, your risk of developing specific cancers increases. Breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and colon cancer are some of the most common cancers faced by women in this age group. While there is no one “right” way to reduce your risk of cancer, there are certain healthy habits you can adopt to lower your risk, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting adequate sleep. Similarly, scheduling regular visits to your doctor to get screened for cancer is an essential step toward early detection. For example, women between the ages of 25 and 65 should schedule a Pap smear every 3 years to screen for cervical cancer. Similarly, women at a higher risk of breast cancer should get a mammogram yearly.
Osteoporosis
As you age, you are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis, which causes your bones to become brittle and more likely to break. It is important to note that osteoporosis has no symptoms, and most people don’t know they have it until they fracture a bone. Typically, women are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis than men because they lose estrogen as they age. Estrogen is a critical factor in building strong bones; without it, women tend to lose bone mass more quickly than men. Fortunately, there are several ways you can lower your risk of osteoporosis. First, get enough calcium in your diet. The recommended daily intake (RDI) for calcium is 1000 mg for women over 50. You can also take calcium supplements, but talk to your doctor before starting any new medication or supplement.
Vision Problems
As you age, you must schedule regular visits to your eye doctor. After all, vision problems are one of the most common health issues faced by women over 50. One of the most common vision problems faced by women over 50 is vision impairment or degeneration. This condition occurs when the eyes start to lose clarity and the ability to change focus. You should see your eye doctor regularly to catch any vision issues early. For instance, an eye exam can spot vision problems early on; this then gives you time to decide on which treatment method you’d prefer. This could include visiting a clinic for laser eye surgery melbourne (or elsewhere more relevant) or going with a more traditional method like prescription glasses.
Conclusion
Regardless of how old you are, it is essential to stay healthy. This, in turn, will make you look and feel younger. You can maintain your health for as long as possible with the proper diet and exercise. The only way to know if you are healthy is to know what normal feels like. If you notice something out of the ordinary, you will be able to address that before it becomes a problem.
