Latest news with #menopause
Yahoo
6 minutes ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The Hidden Link Between Menopause and ADHD
Mood swings, irritability, anxiety. These are just a few of the issues triggered by the hormonal rollercoaster of menopause and perimenopause. But they could also be a sign of another condition that often goes misdiagnosed in middle-aged women: ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that's characterized by inattention, disorganization, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The chemical changes that occur during the menopausal transition may worsen symptoms of ADHD, says Shanna Pearson, the author of the upcoming book, Invisible ADHD. And that leaves many women who haven't been diagnosed suddenly unable to cope. 'These women have developed systems to keep it together their entire lives — managing their careers, their families, their relationships,' Pearson tells us. 'And then, boom: Perimenopause hits, and it's like the rug gets pulled from underneath them. Every system that they created to get by just stops working.' We spoke to Pearson about what's behind this phenomenon, why so many women are being misdiagnosed, and what you can do if you believe you may be one of them. There's been a lot of talk lately about how ADHD manifests differently in women than in men. Can you explain what that looks like? Pearson: In general, men tend to exhibit symptoms that are much more external and physical. They might be physically restless, their eyes might dart around at the dinner table. They tend to do things that are more impulsive like driving too fast, having more affairs — things they can act on physically. For women, in general, their hyperactivity is more in their mind. I describe it in the book as a 24/7 amusement park in your brain, so while life's happening around you, you're more fascinated with everything that's going on in your head. And that's why we don't get called out as much, because you could just be sitting on your couch daydreaming and not disturb anyone. That's why so many women tend to go under the radar. Related: How do menopause and perimenopause impact ADHD? Estrogen plays a very big role in regulating our dopamine levels. People who have ADHD already have low dopamine levels. So when estrogen begins to decline during this stage of life, our dopamine levels crater too — and that can wreak havoc on someone with ADHD. There are lots of women who've gone undiagnosed and have been able to create ways of coping. These women have developed systems to keep it together their entire lives — managing their careers, their families, their relationships. And then, boom: Perimenopause hits, and it's like the rug gets pulled from underneath them. Every system that they created to get by just stops working. I believe it's a really big problem. The other issue, which you discuss in the book, is that many of these women are being misdiagnosed. Why is that? The fact is, if you have a woman in middle age who's going through these changes but doesn't know she has ADHD, she'll go to the doctor and they'll give her an assessment for anxiety and depression. There's a lot of overlap in the questions they'd ask for these mood disorders and symptoms of ADHD. Do you feel restless? Do you have trouble concentrating on things? Do you have trouble relaxing? These are all things that people who have ADHD live with 24/7, so many women will get misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression because they're not being screened for ADHD. How can women tell if they may have ADHD? The one key thing I tell women, which won't typically appear on questionnaires, is to ask yourself if you're experiencing severe overwhelm. I call it the 'deer-in-the-headlights syndrome.' It's this feeling where you have 20 things to do, and they all feel equally important, but you just don't know what to do first. If you have ADHD, this is something you've experienced for most of your life — not just when you're going through hormonal changes. What advice do you have for women who may suspect they have ADHD? I highly recommend going to a doctor who specializes in ADHD. Because if you go to a general therapist, you will likely get misdiganosed with depression or anxiety. There are also things you can do right now to start alleviating your symptoms. One thing I recommend is to start learning mood management. I tell all my clients that you can have an outstanding time management system, but it won't amount to anything if you don't feel like getting things done. So one great tip is to spend three days logging when you feel like you have the most energy and when you hit slumps. If you're a morning person, schedule your hardest tasks then; if you feel more energized later in the day, block that part off to cross the hard things off your to-do list. The other thing I tell people is to do things that will get them out of their heads. A lot of women with ADHD can be locked into our heads for most of the day, so getting in touch with our bodies can really help. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to exercise. It can be as simple as implementing a physical state change. So if you're at the computer and find yourself getting sucked into a rabbit hole, stand up and put on some music. You could even suck on a really strong mint or a drink a glass of ice water — just some sort of physical stimulus to get you out of your head. This interview has been edited for clarity and length. The post The Hidden Link Between Menopause and ADHD appeared first on Katie Couric Media.
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Your complete guide to getting menopause help online
Menopause is having a moment. Celebrities are speaking up, the menopause wellness industry is booming and there's a good chance your Insta feed is overflowing with #menobelly content. But there's still one place where "menopause" remains something of a whisper: the doctor's office. Scratch that — more often than not, it's your brick-and-mortar doctor's office where menopause is still treated like a side note, if it's addressed at all. Enter the age of menopause telehealth — where online clinics are reshaping how women access midlife care, one video visit at a time. Roughly 42% of women now use telemedicine, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And specialized menopause clinics — like Midi Health, MenopauseRX and others — have exploded onto the scene in response, with multiple startups launching in just the past few years. As Dr. Sherry Ross, ob-gyn at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif. and author of She-ology, puts it, "This surge in virtual menopause care solves many of the ongoing problems with our current health care system." But are online menopause clinics sacrificing quality for convenience? Here's what you need to know: Why you might need a menopause specialist — not just your regular doctor You have a doctor. You trust them. Maybe they delivered your baby, got you through your annual Pap with nary a wince or called in your UTI scripts approximately a zillion times. But when it comes to perimenopause and menopause? Even the most dependable physician might not be up to speed. Carolyn G. from Napa, Calif., didn't even bother reaching out to her regular doctor when her menopausal symptoms flared. "A health coach recommended Midi, a telehealth option, and that's where I found what I needed — someone who specialized specifically in menopause care." Her story isn't unusual. A 2025 survey of 1,000 women aged 45 to 60 found that nearly 71% said their doctor didn't adequately prepare them for menopause — or offer a thorough discussion of treatment options. Another 1,000 person survey found that 50% of women who have discussed menopause with their provider said they were the ones who initiated the conversation — not their physician. Part of the problem? Most medical training barely touches menopause. According to a 2019 Mayo Clinic report, only 7% of medical residents said they felt prepared to manage it. To put it simply, "there's an urgent need for appropriate menopause care, and telehealth platforms can fulfill some of this need," says Dr. Robin Noble, a gynecologist in Portland, Maine, and the chief medical adviser at Let's Talk Menopause, a nonprofit working to improve menopause care. How menopause telehealth works — and when it's worth it Before the pandemic, nearly every woman — 92% — wanted to see their menopause provider face-to-face. By 2022, that number slid to 71%, according to a report in the journal Patient Related Outcome Measures, reflecting a clear trend: Women are becoming more comfortable turning to screens for symptom relief, answers and evidence-based support. And providers get it. "Same-day care in the comfort of your home, affordable and flexible scheduling and easy access to knowledgeable providers — that's a big win when you need life-changing guidance through the hormonal chaos of menopause," says Ross. But it's not just about convenience. Telehealth allows health care providers to reach women in menopause in underserved areas where there's a paucity of certified menopause specialists, as noted in a video released by the Menopause Society. That accessibility — and focus — is a major part of the appeal. "Theoretically, most menopausal symptoms can be managed virtually," says Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director of the Menopause Society. Those include many of the most common struggles, such as: Hot flashes Night sweats Sleep problems Mood changes Weight gain Low libido Vaginal dryness (in some cases) For many women, virtual care has been a turning point. Two years after Carolyn G. started her menopause telehealth journey, she reports that the care she's received has been "nothing short of transformative." When virtual menopause care can fall short Still, not every woman going through menopause can — or should — turn to online clinics for guidance and treatment. According to an editorial in the journal Climacteric, many women with co-morbidities don't fit in the menopause-only telehealth model. Telemedicine simply can't replace regular clinical examinations and in-depth screenings. It's nearly impossible for a virtual menopause visit to properly address acute clinical problems such as vaginal discharge, unexpected bleeding or breast lumps. Noble agrees, says that "abnormal bleeding, postmenopausal bleeding, vaginal discharge and breast masses are symptoms that should always be managed in person." These symptoms can point to more serious issues that require a physical exam or additional testing. Even vaginal dryness, which is often addressed virtually, has its limitations. "Symptoms like vulvar dryness or irritation may be caused by other conditions — such as vulvar dermatoses — that can't be properly diagnosed without an in-person visit," says Faubion. Ross adds that when symptoms are complex or unclear, it's safest to see someone face-to-face. Not sure when to see someone in person? Here's when it matters most: Irregular or postmenopausal bleeding Painful intercourse Vaginal irritation or discharge Urinary issues Breast or skin changes Dizziness or vertigo Persistent headaches Unexplained fatigue How to find the best menopause telehealth provider for you While dutifully typing "how to find a menopause telehealth provider" into your search engine is certainly one way to start looking, it may not be the best strategy. Here's how to skip the digital noise and find care that actually fits. Contact your insurance provider. Not appealing, we know! But knowing what's covered and what's not is a great starting point. Aetna, for example, covers virtual visits to both Midi and Gennev, but you'll still need to double-check your own benefits because coverage varies wildly. Also ask whether lab work and prescription therapies are included. Look beyond teleclinics: While it's no doubt a struggle to locate an in-person menopause specialist, many traditional providers offer telehealth appointments. In fact, the CDC reports that nearly 60% of medical specialists now use telemedicine for at least a quarter of their patient visits — and a solid 1 in 4 use it for half or more. That means your local gynecologist — or meno rock star, if you're lucky — might already offer virtual care. Even Faubion, who's also director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Women's Health in Jacksonville, Fla., offers video visits for her patients with menopause. Find a certified specialist. "At a minimum, your provider needs to have a medical license, and ideally they should be certified in menopause management by the Menopause Society, known as a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP)," says Faubion. To locate a care provider who fits the bill, search the Menopause Society directory. It's not exhaustive, but it's one of the best places to start. Check for smart safeguards. "Telehealth companies should have clear policies on data privacy and storage, security measures for patient-doctor communication, secure login protocols, compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and easy customer support access," says Ross. Ask around. Look beyond the homepage hype — real users will tell you how responsive the care team is, whether prescriptions were personalized and if the costs were what they expected. Start by asking friends, family and even colleagues if you're comfortable. Then, of course, Google the platform name plus 'reviews,' checking resources like Trustpilot and Reddit. Red flags to watch for in online menopause clinics Online menopause care can be convenient and effective — but not every clinic is created equal. Here's what to watch for. Rushing through your medical history: "From what I've seen, most online platforms don't take a good medical history," says Faubion. Quality menopause care starts with understanding your complete health picture, including a comprehensive review of your physical and mental health history, current symptoms and any medications you're taking. Dropping the ball with follow-ups: "These platforms can help with access, but they don't always deliver ongoing follow-up — and that's a problem," says Noble. Proper care requires regular monitoring of your progress as well as communication with your broader care team when needed. Lacking teamwork: "My biggest concern is not the online model itself — it's the lack of integration with a patient's other medical care that's troubling," says Faubion. Coordinated care matters, especially for patients managing other health issues alongside menopause. Without it, important context can be missed — and that can affect treatment safety and outcomes. Pushing unnecessary testing: Here's something that might surprise you: hormone testing is neither required nor recommended before starting hormone therapy, according to experts. That's because there's no ideal targeted hormone level that determines safe and effective HRT dosage. In most cases, symptoms — not lab results — should guide treatment. Always ask how a test will inform your treatment. Pressuring you to buy their products: "The emphasis should always be on patient care, education and treatment management — not on selling supplements or in-house products," says Ross. "If you feel pressured to buy in-house products over receiving quality care, you may not be using the right company for your medical needs." Instead, look for companies that send prescriptions to independent pharmacies — it's a good sign that the provider is prioritizing your health over their sales. How to prepare for a menopause telehealth visit Telehealth works best when you're prepared. Before your appointment, make notes about: Bothersome symptoms Medical and family history Current medications Any recent test results that might be relevant At the same time, "think about your goals and preferences — are you open to hormone therapy? Do you want lifestyle-focused recommendations?" says Noble. "Having clarity going in makes the visit far more productive." Once you're on, ask what to expect from treatment, what to do if side effects come up and whether follow-ups are built in. "Patients should ask whether the provider will monitor for effectiveness and communicate with their existing care team," says Faubion. "Also ask if they'll review or order routine screenings like mammograms and Pap smears, and follow up on the results if needed." The more you bring to the table, the more useful and personalized your virtual visit will be. Best menopause telehealth clinics to consider There are a lot of online menopause clinics out there so finding the right one takes some effort. While this is in no way a complete list, here are a handful that we think are worth looking into: Midi Health Midi earns an impressive "Excellent" rating from Trustpilot and is staffed by clinicians trained specifically in menopause and midlife health. They accept insurance (including Medicare in some states), offer built-in follow-up and care coordination and allow prescriptions to be filled at the pharmacy of your choice. Plus, Midi is available in all 50 states. While most reviewers praise Midi's care and service — including Carolyn, above — one Trustpilot user noted it may be better suited for those seeking hormone therapy. "I have a special circumstance of a blood clot disorder, so unfortunately HRT isn't helpful for me," she wrote. "I felt they really focused on pushing hormones." MyMenopauseRx While not as wide-reaching as Midi, MyMenopauseRX (available in 29 states) offers appointments with certified menopause specialists, they accept insurance and allow patients to fill prescriptions at their preferred pharmacy. The fact that "Rx" is in the name is a little off-putting — and some reviewers do feel like HRT is being heavily promoted — however, most of their Google reviews are positive, with one noting: "The level of compassion and care was impeccable. I wasn't treated like a number." Gennev Available in all 50 states and accepted by insurance, Gennev offers virtual visits with board-certified, menopause-trained doctors who. if needed, can recommend follow-up care with menopause-trained dietitians or mental health specialists. And prescriptions be filled by outside pharmacies. While they do sell some branded wellness products, this isn't central to their operation. Gennev's limited Trustpilot reviews leave a lot to be desired, but feedback in Real Patient Reviews is stellar. Maven Clinic Maven Clinic is not quite like the others. While it does deliver online menopause care, it's through your employer and health plan benefits. That means you can't sign up directly unless it's offered through your job. But if it is, you get access to menopause-trained ob-gyns, NPs, therapists, pelvic floor physical therapists, nutritionists and more. Right now, Maven's menopause program is offered by around 40 employers (including Amazon, BuzzFeed and, yes, Yahoo). If it's part of your benefits, it's a strong option to consider. As one Reddit user noted: "My Maven doctor was the first doctor to actually listen to me!" Menopause telehealth: What to keep in mind moving forward Samantha S. of Studio City, Calif., started her HRT journey with Midi Health after a colleague referral turned into a symptom breakthrough: "I don't think I would have addressed my symptoms or started HRT if I hadn't discovered Midi," she says. "They educated me, enabled me to jump in, figure out what I needed and get started with treatment ASAP." Telehealth got her in the door — but after a couple of years, she made the switch to in-person care with a gynecologist. "I ultimately just felt like she had more experience and knowledge, and preferred working with an MD who had a higher level of training," Samantha S. says. Her doctor helped fine-tune her treatment, adjusting dosage and delivery to better suit her needs. Noble isn't totally surprised. "Forming a trusted partnership between patient and healthcare provider is extremely important in an area of medicine like menopausal care, that is truly so nuanced and individualized," she says. "And it's simply more challenging to build that trust via telemedicine — but that doesn't mean it can't work." In the end, virtual menopause care can be a powerful starting point — one that gets you answers faster and helps you feel seen. But staying open to in-person expertise — especially as your care evolves — can make all the difference to your long-term results and experience as you navigate this phase of life. Meet the experts Stephanie Faubion, MD, director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Women's Health in Jacksonville, Fla., and medical director of the Menopause Society Sherry Ross, MD, ob-gyn at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., and author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women's Intimate Health. Period. Robin Noble, MD, a gynecologist in Portland, Maine, and chief medical adviser at Let's Talk Menopause, a nonprofit working to improve menopause care Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Forbes
6 hours ago
- Health
- Forbes
How Halle Berry Became The New Face Of Menopause
H alle Berry knows what you think of her. The first (and so far only) Black woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress, the former model and fixture on 'most beautiful people' lists is all too familiar with being best known for her performances and her looks. But these three words, shouted on Capitol Hill in May 2024 while surrounded by a bipartisan group of senators (all women), might change that: ' I'm in menopause! ' 'For so long people have put me in this sex symbol box,' Berry says. 'For someone like me to speak about going through menopause, which has been so stigmatized, if I can say, 'Hey, it's sexy to arrive at this time of our life, it's actually a privilege to age.' . . . I hope I'm giving [women] the courage to stand tall and accept that we don't have to stay eternally 30. I mean, who wants to stay eternally 30?' In her sixth decade, Berry is laser-focused on women's health. It's a mission of both advocacy and entrepreneurship that began when her own perimenopause was misdiagnosed as herpes and she realized just how much more awareness both doctors and patients needed about this crucial (and, for those who live long enough, universal) life stage. Berry's vehicle is Respin, originally a wellness and exercise website she founded in 2020 but which relaunched this February as a menopause-focused health care company. With less than $5 million in funding from investors including Khosla Ventures, Respin is still in its earliest days—telehealth visits just launched in July and revenue is still mostly nonexistent—but she's feeling invigorated by the task of growing and scaling her startup. 'This is my greatest act,' she says. 'And I couldn't have imagined that this would be my greatest act because I think as women, we've been afraid to age.' Berry is one of the 200 entrepreneurs, change makers and leaders on Forbes ' fifth annual 50 Over 50 list who have come to see their age as an asset rather than a liability. Produced in partnership with Morning Joe cohost Mika Brzezinski and her Know Your Value initiative, the 50 Over 50 highlights women who are generating outsized professional impact in their sixth, seventh or eighth decades (for the full list, visit started as a website offering at-home workouts (Berry launched it during the pandemic), exercise gear like strength bands and jump ropes, and a community of like-minded women. Today, the company is dual-pronged. One side sells community memberships (for $149 a year, users get access to private chats with other women going through menopause, live Q&As with doctors and 'early access' to Berry's favorite wellness gadgets) and, through a partnership with women's intimacy company Joylux, 'intimacy gel' (lube) for $21 or $45 and a vaginal wand with red light therapy—to help with vaginal dryness and pelvic floor functioning—for $495. Over on the Respin Health side of the business, women seeking answers about their menopause symptoms can book a 30-minute telehealth visit with a menopause-trained physician or nurse practitioner for $55. Ally Tam Tumasova, Respin Health's cofounder and CEO, says women can also answer a detailed questionnaire to receive a personalized lifestyle plan ($20), sign up for group coaching sessions to help stick with that plan ($45 per month) or pay $100 for a one-on-one session. Frédérique Dame, a general partner at GV (formerly Google Ventures) and an early investor in Respin competitor Midi Health, which was founded by 50 Over 50 alumna Joanna Strober, says that currently there is more demand for menopause medicine than there are practitioners available. In the U.S., 1.3 million women enter menopause every year, while fewer than 2,500 physicians are certified in menopause medicine. Globally, the market—which includes hormone replacement therapy, prescription and OTC drugs, dietary supplements and nutritional advice, was valued at $17 billion last year and is projected to grow to $24 billion within five years, according to Grand View Research. 'It's a huge market,' Dame says. And a broadly defined one. Which is why Berry is aiming wide: 'We are trying to be your one-stop shop for all things menopause, because what I've learned on this journey is that every woman 'menopauses' in a different way.' More from Forbes Forbes 50 Over 50 Global: 2025 By Maggie McGrath Forbes Meet The Judges For The 2024 50 Over 50 List By Maggie McGrath Forbes The Age Of Disruption: Meet The 50 Over 50 2023 By Maggie McGrath
Washington Post
a day ago
- Health
- Washington Post
The FDA should stop scaring women about this menopause treatment
For years, the Food and Drug Administration has been warning women about hormone therapies to treat menopause symptoms. The agency requires all estrogen-containing products to display a black box safety label — the most severe packaging requirement — claiming that they increase the risk of breast cancer, heart attacks and dementia.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Women over 50, read this: 10 health problems you should have on your radar — and what to do about them
Health risks for females typically increases even further after menopause. Feel like you're a young 50? While many older Canadians report feeling younger mentally and physically than their age, once you hit 50, certain health issues can sneak up on you — no matter how good you feel. 'As we age, our cells naturally wear down, as do the systems that repair them. It's like your body's maintenance crew gets a little tired and understaffed,' explains Dr. Angela Downey, family physician and host of the "Codependent Doctor" podcast. 'This makes us more vulnerable to things like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers, even if we've lived a healthy life until this point.' While this is the case for everyone, being a woman comes with a few extra health risks. 'After menopause, estrogen levels drop, which increases the risk of heart disease, autoimmune conditions, vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence and osteoporosis,' Downey adds. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Knowledge is power, the old adage goes, so we're digging into the 10 different health problems that should be on your radar if you're a woman over 50 — plus how to stay on top of them. 10 health problems every woman over 50 should know — and what to do about them 1. Vision problems Vision changes are a known byproduct of getting older, but lower estrogen levels after menopause can also affect your eye health and lead to a need for glasses or a stronger prescription, reduced night vision and even a higher risk of eye conditions like dry eye and macular degeneration. You can stay on top of your eye health by having regular eye exams. Even if you have no vision issues, it's recommended you get an eye exam every two to three years if you're under 40, and every two years if you're over 40. Once you hit 65? Optometrists advise a yearly visit to stay on top of your ocular health. And of course, if you notice any sudden vision changes or physical changes to one or both of your eyes, head to the eye doctor as soon as possible. 2. Hearing loss Hearing loss is more common in men than women, but don't let that keep you from scheduling a hearing test. Around 54 per cent of Canadians aged 40 to 79 have mild hearing loss — but it can be quite sneaky. A lot of people who suffer from it don't even notice an issue. You may feel like your ear is a bit clogged or only have trouble hearing in noisy places. Even if the symptoms aren't impacting your daily life, it's important to have your hearing checked if you're over 50 or notice a change. It's not just age that can cause hearing loss; injuries, illness and certain medications can mess with your hearing, too. 3. Heart disease According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, heart disease and stroke is the number one cause of premature death of women in Canada. Even more concerning? A whopping 89 per cent of women don't know their unique risk factors, many of which increase with age and/or menopause, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes and depression. Making heart-healthy lifestyle changes and seeing your doctor or pharmacist for regular blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar monitoring can help you keep your ticker healthy. 4. Osteoporosis Bone loss accelerates after menopause, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, and one in three women break a bone due to the condition, according to Osteoporosis Canada. Your sex and age aren't the only risk factors; family history, certain medications and your diet also play a role. Engaging in regular exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise, getting enough calcium and vitamin D and not smoking can help you reduce your risk. If you've ever fractured a bone, have a family history of osteoporosis, or are post-menopausal, ask your doctor about screening. 5. Autoimmune diseases When it comes to autoimmune diseases, the odds are stacked against women. Around 80 per cent autoimmune diseases are diagnosed in women — and the risk of developing one increases after menopause, according to Downey. There are more than 100 autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and thyroid diseases. Symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain and digestive issues can overlap with other conditions, and there's no single definitive test for all of them, making diagnosis tricky. If you notice new symptoms, see your doctor for appropriate testing. 6. Cancer A whopping nine in 10 cancers in Canada are diagnosed in people over the age of 50 — and aging is the most important risk factor for cancer. While this is true for males and females, there are some cancers that only or predominantly affect females, including cervical, breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers. Lung cancer, which once mostly affected men, is now affecting more women. Family history, age of your first period and number of pregnancies are just a few of the factors that affect a woman's risk of cancer. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and screening. 7. Obesity About 65 per cent of Canadians are overweight or obese, most of them between ages 40 and 69. Slower metabolism less activity and hormonal shifts — especially during perimenopause, which causes an average weight gain of 4.5 pounds — are contributing factors. Staying active and eating well can help, but if needed, there are other tools available that may be worth discussing with your health-care provider. 8. Vaginal dryness Vaginal aging is a thing. As we — and our vaginas — get older, lower estrogen levels cause our once moist and flexible vaginal tissues to the become drier, thinner and less stretchy. Whether you're having sex or not, treating vaginal dryness is important because if left untreated, it can lead to symptoms like irritation and microtears, which can in turn increase your risk of infections. Vaginal dryness can be managed with over-the-counter treatments like vaginal moisturizers and lubricants. If those don't work, your health-care provider can prescribe topical estrogen, which is available in Canada in cream or tablet form. 9. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Female anatomy — and having the urethra and anus in such close quarters — is to blame for females experiencing far more UTIs than men because it makes getting bacteria from one opening to the other a lot easier. After menopause, the risk increases due to skin irritation and tears from vaginal dryness and a decrease in good vaginal bacteria, which lets the less helpful bacteria grow. UTIs can lead to infections higher in the urinary tract, such as the bladder or kidneys, which can have serious complications. Treating vaginal dryness (see above) can help reduce the risk of UTIs. If you suspect you have a UTI, a doctor or pharmacist can prescribe antibiotics to treat it. 10. Urinary incontinence Urinary incontinence can happen to anyone, but it's most common in women over 50. That said, don't pass it off as a regular part of aging, as it can have several causes, some of which are treatable. Along with lower estrogen levels which can affect vaginal and urethral tissues, pelvic floor damage from giving birth, UTIs and certain medical conditions and medications are a few potential causes. If you're suddenly leaking urine, even if just a little, don't hesitate to reach out to your health-care provider.
