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Healthy Menopause
What should I do to ensure a healthy menopause?
The yearly exam is a good time to
talk to your doctor or nurse about changes in your body. Many of the health issues
that occur in midlife can be
handled with lifestyle
changes. For example, many people gain weight during
these years. Making changes in diet and exercise can help you to keep your
weight in the normal range. Learning how to manage your stress can also keep
you from using food to deal with stress.
The yearly exam gives you a chance to talk to your doctor or nurse about problems you may be having and how to treat them. It is also a good time to talk about screening tests you should have and to assess your overall health status as you enter menopause.
Your yearly exam should include the following:
- A complete
health history, including heart disease, osteoporosis, cancer,
overall health status, diet, and physical
activity
- A complete physical exam, including breast,
pelvic, rectal and vaginal exams. You should also
have your weight, height and blood pressure
checked.
- Lab tests, such as blood and urine
screening, Pap test, blood in stool, mammogram, cholesterol levels, thyroid tests
and bone density screening. If needed, tests for sexually transmitted
disease should also be done.
- Any tests
that relate specifically to
you
(your own disability or those in your family)
- Counseling on
menopause issues
- Establishment of a health maintenance schedule
In addition, don't forget your dental health. The changing hormone levels of menopause can affect your teeth and gums. Brush and floss your teeth and have them cleaned and checked by your dentist at least once a year.
What about cancer screening?
You should have a Pap test, which screens for cervical cancer, once a year from the time you reach age 18 (or begin sexual activity) and throughout your life.
You should have a mammogram, which screens for breast cancer, beginning at age 40 and then every 2 years throughout your life. Your insurance plan may vary on the beginning age and how often it will pay for this test. If you have a family history of breast cancer, or if you yourself have had breast cancer, your doctor or nurse can order screening earlier than age 40 or more often.
During your yearly exam, your doctor or nurse will test for blood in the stool to screen for colon cancer. At age 50 you should talk to him or her about having a colonoscopy (a test for colon cancer).
If you have any unusual lesions, such as moles on your skin or lesions in your mouth, you should have them seen immediately by your doctor or nurse.
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11/30/2003 04:21 PM