Every woman who lives long enough will reach menopause, which is the time in life that menstruation stops. Menopause is diagnosed after it occurs, once a full year has passed without a period.
The period leading up to menopause, known as Menopause, is the time when the body begins to stop reproductive capabilities. The hormonal influx contributes to symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain, and trouble sleeping.
Related: 12 ways to beat belly fat after menopause
By the time a woman reaches menopause, estrogen levels low. Without the protective effects of estrogen, Postmenopausal women face an increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and other health problems.
Menopause is an opportunity to look at the big picture of health
Women should know that once they reach menopause, their chances of developing ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer may also be higher. Aging, increased ovulation during your lifetime, and exposure to hormones can all play a role. However, it is important to note that advanced age is the primary risk factor for many different types of cancer, and there is currently no medical recommendation to limit the number of ovulations a woman has in order to reduce her risk of developing cancer later on.
Explain the age risk factor for cancer
Your risk of most types of cancer increases as you age. In fact, advanced age is the most important risk factor for developing cancer in general. (2)
According to the National Cancer Institute, the average age for a cancer diagnosis to be diagnosed is 66. (2) The average age for menopause is 51. (3)
“Although menopause does not cause cancer, a woman’s chance of developing cancer increases with age,” she says. Joan Pinkerton, MD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville and Executive Director Emeritus of the North American Menopause Society. “Consequently, postmenopausal women have a higher chance of developing cancer because they are older.”
Is the delayed menopause, the higher the risk of cancer?
Entering menopause later may lead to health benefits such as longer life and a reduced risk of heart disease. (4But research also shows that having more menstrual cycles throughout your life may increase your risk of some types of cancer.
“Women who experience late menopause, starting at age 55, have a higher chance of developing breast and uterine cancer because they have a longer exposure than estrogen‘, says Dr. Pinkerton. Also, the risk of ovarian cancer is slightly higher, possibly due to more ovulation. “
During a woman’s menstrual cycle, the tissues of her uterus and breasts are exposed to estrogen. And more menstrual cycles throughout a woman’s life means more exposure to estrogen, which can lead to cancer. (5)
Related: 5 things we learned from the most important menopause study
One Analysis of more than 400,000 participants It found that the risk of breast cancer increased the younger an individual was (known as menstruation) and the earlier the menopause began. However, the risk was higher in the early menarche than in the late menopause. This suggests that menstruation and menopause may not affect breast cancer risk only by lengthening an individual’s total childbearing years.
A study of more than 12,000 Dutch postmenopausal women found that the risk of dying from uterine or ovarian cancer was 5 percent higher in women who went through menopause later. However, there was an overall decrease in mortality among those who went through menopause later. (7)
Hormone replacement therapy and cancer: is there a connection?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used to treat menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It comes as pills, patches, sprays, gels, creams, or rings. (8)
The relationship between hormone replacement therapy and cancer is complex and not fully known.
women who have Hysterectomy To remove the uterus, only hormonal therapy that contains estrogen can be used. Those who still have a uterus should take estrogen in addition to a progestin because the risk of developing uterine cancer is higher if they take estrogen alone. (8)
The Women’s Health Initiativeone of the The largest women’s health project ever launched in the United StatesHe has examined the effects of hormone therapy extensively for years. The researchers reported the following results:
- Women who took estrogen in addition to progestin had Slightly increased risk of breast cancer. For every 10,000 women who took estrogen plus progestin for one year, there were nine additional cases of breast cancer.
- Women without a uterus who took estrogen-only treatment had Reduced risk of breast cancerHowever, other studies have found that estrogen alone may increase the risk of breast cancer if used for a long time.
Research on the relationship between hormone therapy and other types of cancer is also not clear.
“It’s unclear whether hormone therapy slightly increases the risk of ovarian cancer, but some studies have shown a risk with longer periods of use,” Pinkerton says.
Should you consider using hormone replacement therapy?
The primary purpose of HRT is to relieve menopausal symptoms.
The North American Menopause Society, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and the Endocrine Society have released a file joint statement: “Most healthy, recently menopausal women can use hormone therapy to relieve symptoms of hot flashes and vaginal dryness if they choose.”
Talk to your doctor to evaluate potential benefits and risks and to see if HRT is right for you. For many women, newer lower-dose options can provide relief that offsets the risks.
Related: Mindfulness may help improve menopausal symptoms
Cancer screening recommendations for middle-aged women
Testing for cancer is important for postmenopausal women. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists It makes the following recommendations for breast cancer:
- Women with moderate risk A . should be offered mammogram check Starting at the age of 40 and not more than 50 years old.
- Women at average risk should have a mammogram every one or two years.
- Women at moderate risk should continue screening mammograms until at least age 75. (10)
The group adds that these screening guidelines should be followed based on a “shared decision-making process” between women and their doctors. (10)
For cervical cancer screening, Pap testing and HPV testing every three to five years starting at age 21 are recommended for those at average risk. If a woman has had three negative Pap smear tests in the past 10 years, the test can be stopped after age 65. (11)
“Pelvic exams and routine screening for ovarian cancer have limited ability to pick up ovarian cancer,” Pinkerton says. However, if a woman has persistent new abdominal pain, flatulence, [or a] Constant change in feeling full after eating; [is] swollen or a [has a] A change in bladder or bowel symptoms, we recommend additional evaluation, including a pelvic ultrasound and a blood test for cancer antigen 125.”
Reduce the risk of cancer
Some ways to help reduce the risk of developing cancer:
- Avoid smoking. About 30 percent of all cancer deaths are caused by tobacco use.
- Playing sports. Physical activity It has been shown to reduce the risk of many types of cancer, including breast and endometrial cancer. Adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight is a risk factor for many different types of cancer.
- Cut back on alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption may increase the risk of breast cancer. Women should drink no more than one drink per day.
- Eat healthy. a healthy diet It has been linked to a reduced risk of some types of cancer. try to Eat at least 2½ cups of fruits and vegetables day.
- Have safe sex. Use a condom when you have it intercourse And limit the number of your sexual partners. The more sexual partners you have in your life, the more likely you are to develop sexually transmitted infection, such as the human papillomavirus. (13)
Bottom line? Practice good health habits in middle age to reduce your risk of disease.
“[Menopause] It’s an ideal time for women to assess their cancer risk, decide on screening tests, and improve their health through exercise, healthy eating, and weight control to reduce their cancer risk.”
