Menopause Complications

After menopause, your risk of certain medical conditions increases. Examples include:
 Heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease
When your estrogen levels decline, your risk of cardiovascular disease increases. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women as well as in men. So, it’s important to get regular exercise, eat a healthy diet and maintain a normal weight. Ask your doctor for advice on how to protect your heart, such as how to reduce your cholesterol or blood pressure if it’s too high.
Osteoporosis
This condition causes bones to become brittle and weak, leading to an increased risk of fractures. During the first few years after menopause, you may lose bone density at a rapid rate, increasing your risk of osteoporosis. Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis are especially susceptible to fractures of their hips, wrists, and spine.
Urinary incontinence
As the tissues of your vagina and urethra lose elasticity, you may experience frequent, sudden, strong urges to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine (urge incontinence), or the loss of urine with coughing, laughing, or lifting (stress incontinence). You may have urinary tract infections more often.
Sexual function
Vaginal dryness from decreased moisture production and loss of elasticity can cause discomfort and slight bleeding during sexual intercourse. Further, decreased sensation may reduce your desire for sexual activity (libido).