When the menopause lasts longer than usual

A delayed or late menopause means that the effect of oestrogen on your body lasts a little bit longer than usual. What are the consequences and what can you do about it?

What’s a late menopause?

The expected age for a woman to reach the menopause is between the ages of 50 and 55. There are several factors influencing the age span. A late menopause is influenced by dietary habits, the use of contraceptive pills and the number of births. Comparative studies conducted in Spain and the USA showed that the age also varies in terms of ethnic affiliation. Despite that, the studies have to be verified, continued and supplemented. A late menopause is common among overweight women and those who have above average levels of estrogen. It’s also been linked to diabetes, while genetics also plays an important role.

The age of the menopause is higher

Nowadays, a delayed or late menopause is considered in the event that a woman still has periods after the age 55. When considering late menopause, we can’t avoid the fact that the average age of reaching the menopause is higher. This is also corroborated by a study conducted in Gothenburg in Sweden. The study was started in 1968 and ended in 2002. Interim results were examined every ten years. The results show that a woman born in 1908 would go through her menopause at the age of 49 and a woman born in 1930 would go through her menopause at the age of 51 and a half.

The effects of a late menopause on health

A delayed or late menopause means that estrogen is released in the same quantity and, consequently, has all the “protective” effects. It protects bones because it maintains their density. It has a beneficial effect on blood vessels. It maintains vaginal elasticity and moistness so that sexual intercourse is still pleasant. The same applies to libido. However, there are also adverse effects. Owing to the prolonged function of the hormone estrogen, women are more likely to have breast, ovarian and uterine cancer. Estrogen stimulates cell growth, thus increasing the risk of cell mutation, and stimulates the growth of cancer cells when/if they appear. The results of a study conducted in the Netherlands show that a late menopause prolongs life. The study was focused primarily on the effect of a late menopause on the functions of the heart and circulatory system.

How do you relieve the effects of a late menopause?

If you want to relieve your delayed menopause, you have to exercise, eat a balanced diet and regularly undergo physical examinations. Regular physical examinations are important because the doctor can determine on time all the potential changes women go through at that age. Because of a higher risk of cancer, women have to pay attention to any kind of unusual bleeding. Although it seems that a late menopause protects the cardiovascular system, this doesn’t mean that a woman doesn’t need to take care of her heart by eating a healthy diet and exercising.