Health Meter

    

 Health problems of women during 40-55

     

• Osteoporosis. It is result of oestrogen deficiency. Eostrogen hormone insufficiency leads to low bone density and due to that bone fractures are more frequent. Treatment includes eostrogen and progesterone hormone therapy. Risk of fractures can also be reduced with calcium and vitamin D supplements
•   Fats must be reduced while protein intake should be kept as before (one gram per kilo).
• Hypertension. High blood pressure occurs because of reduced renal function which means that fats and salt intake has to be limited in diet.
• Diabetes. It occurs because, with age, cells lose their sensitivity to insulin. Glucose is recommended for this condition.
•   After menopause, hormonal alterations take place which leads to loss of bone calcium. Bone flexibility is lost and fractures can easily occur. Additional calcium is necessary to delay this process. Hipbone fracture is the most common fracture in older women.
•  For women after 40 it is recommended to avoid bad sugar, eat vegetables and dairy products instead.

  
  

   ·   The most problematic during this period is Menopausal symptoms. These symptoms include changes in body weight, Depression, mood swing, disinterests, hot flushes, reduced skin elasticity, increased blood pressure, changes in libido, insomnia, vaginal dryness and other. Body weight can be controlled with regular exercises  that should be gradually prolonged.
     Request to all the husbands to understand the situation of their partner and help her get rid of it. With love, affection and patience u can handle the situation especially during menopause, as they undergo with some severe psychological problems in many cases...  
  
  Print out this list to keep track of tests and procedures you need after the age of 40 and take it with you to your next doctor's appointment :
  
  
  Breast Cancer Screening 

  Procedure/test: What it does: Starting at age: How often: Date performed/results: Mammogram Checks for breast cancer 40-50 (or earlier with certain risk factors) Every 1 to 2 years, depending on risk Doctor's breast exam May detect breast cancers missed by mammography 20 Annually; Every three years for women 20-40

  
  Cervical cancer screening (one of the following): 
  
  

  Procedure/test: What it does: Starting at age: How often: Date performed/results: Pap smear and pelvic exam Checks for cervical cancer 21 Every three years, or as recommended by your doctor Pap smear plus HPV DNA test and pelvic exam Some experts recommend as more precise means to check for cervical cancer 30 Every five years, or as recommended by your doctor

  
  Colorectal cancer screening: 
   

  Procedure/test: What it does: Starting at age: How often: Date performed/results: Colonoscopy Outpatient procedure in which a doctor inserts a long, flexible instrument - about 1/2 inch in diameter - into the rectum to view the rectum and entire colon. Many experts say colonoscopy is the most accurate colon cancer screening 50 Every 10 years, more often for those with risk factors, a family history or history of colon polyps. Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) Stool is tested for blood -- a possible sign of colorectal cancer 50 Annually Flexible sigmoidoscopy Outpatient procedure for examining the lower portion of the large intestine, called the sigmoid colon. A special instrument with a tiny camera attached is used. 50 Every 5 years Air-contrast barium enema Barium is given as an enema, and then air is blown in to make the barium spread over the lining of the colon, producing an outline of the colon on X-ray. This helps to reveal any irregularities in the lining, such as a polyp. 50 Every 5 years *Your doctor will pick which screening test is best for you. Your screening schedule may be different depending on your personal and family history.

  
  Heart disease screening: 
   

  Procedure/test: What it does: Starting at age: How often: Date performed/results: Blood cholesterol test Measures amount of total cholesterol, "bad" LDL, and "good"HDL cholesterolcirculating in the blood. Levels of triglycerides, another blood fat, are also usually checked. 20 Every 5 years, or at your doctor's discretion Blood pressure check Measures blood pressure, an indicator of heart risk 18 At least every other year, more often if above normal Fasting plasma glucose Measures blood sugar, an indicator of diabetes risk 45, or younger if you are overweight and have other risk factors Every three years if in normal range, or at your doctor's discretion

  
  
  Bone health: 
   

  Procedure/test: What it does: Starting at age: How often: Date performed/results: Bone mineral density test Used as an indicator of bone strength and osteoporosis risk 65, or earlier for women with previous fragility fractures; a family history of osteoporosis; on medications that cause bone loss; or have problems with calcium absorption At your doctor's discretion

  
  
  
  

  webMD medical reference.

  
  
  Observe ur physiological/psychological changes and act 
  according to it to remain healthy forever.