After the age of 35, a woman’s body begins to undergo changes. These are part of normal biological evolution and it is nothing to be frightened or ashamed of. The changes do not affect who you are or your ability to continue to lead a full, active, happy and satisfying life. That said, it is the way you care for your body at a young age that will determine how smooth the changes will be and the impact they will have on you. The choices you make today will affect your future. This includes:
- Chances of being overweight
- Chances of developing cardiac disease
- Possibility of suffering from osteoporosis
- Likelihood of suffering from a stroke
- And more
Perimenopause
The major change your body undergoes between the ages of 35 to 50 is menopause. The process begins with perimenopause. This is the stage when the body begins the transition to menopause. This is when the regularity of the menstrual cycles begins to change - the predictable regularity starts to fluctuate and the gaps between your periods become longer or shorter. The symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) change and often become more severe. This continues with increased irregularity until menopause is reached. Menopause is accompanied by fluctuating hormone levels which result in mood swings, hot flashes and other forms of discomfort, all of which are natural and not a cause for concern. They will all fade away in time as the metabolism and the hormone levels stabilize. The extent of the menstrual changes and the severity of the symptoms vary from person to person. Your gynecologist will guide you through the process and if needed, prescribe medication to alleviate the symptoms.
Health Tests and Screenings
After the age of 35, your continued good health is dependent on spotting any potential medical issues at an early stage when treatment is easier and more rapid. These tests should include:
- Regular full health checkups
- Pap smears
- Mammograms
- Lipid screening
- Thyroid screenings
- Diabetes screening
- And others
Your gynecologist will decide if you need any additional tests to monitor your health status. These tests are designed to provide your doctor with a guide to not only your current health status but also to provide indicators on where possible future health concerns may develop.
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Hormonal Changes
Hormones are chemicals that your body produces to control various mental and psychological functions. Changes to your hormone levels after the age of 35 affect your gynecological and overall health. The major hormones include:
- Estrogen: This is essential to childbearing and also helps to control cholesterol levels, protect bone health, control your emotional responses and support heart, skin and other tissue and organ health.
- Progesterone: Low levels of this hormone can cause abnormal menstrual bleeding, irregular or even missed periods and spotting.
- Testosterone: That this is a purely male hormone is a myth. The ovaries and adrenal glands produce a small amount of testosterone which enters the bloodstream and contributes to sex drive, muscle strength and bone density.
In some cases, the hormonal changes after childbirth can be significant, especially in older women. While hormonal changes play a significant role in the changes in a woman’s health, especially after 35, often lifestyle factors and ignoring the basics of good health at a younger age can lead to exacerbated health issues that appear later on in life.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Health
While the changes to your body are inevitable and natural, caring for your overall health will make the changes easier to accept and deal with. Paying attention to the following can give your body the strength it needs to deal with the changes that will occur:
- Controlling your diet and eating nutritious food
- Getting the right amount of exercise
- Getting enough sleep and relaxation
- Avoiding stress
- Monitoring your hormone levels
- Social activities and habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, etc. may not appear to be harmful at a young age, but they will affect your health as you become older and could cause major problems after 35.
Also Read: Gynecological Conditions That Demand Urgent Treatment
A woman is not old when she crosses the age of 35. She is still young, healthy and active and the increasing years should not result in any changes to her lifestyle and activities. However, the changes can have an unsettling mental and physical effect. Just because the beginning of menopause affects all women, it does not mean that the possible pain, discomfort and psychological stress have to be suffered alone and in silence. Regular scheduled gynecological examinations will help monitor the changes that the body is undergoing and your gynecologist will be able to advise you on what you can do to make the transition easier. Your reproductive system is not isolated from the rest of your body and the changes that it undergoes can impact other aspects of your health and well-being. Having your regular gynecological checkups at a leading multispecialty hospital is the best way to care for your overall health. The world-class gynecology department will give you access to the best gynecologists and examination, diagnostic and treatment facilities. If the changes to your reproductive system show signs of affecting other parts of your body and your health, other medical specializations that may be required to care for and protect your health will also be available at the same place. This not only means that all your healthcare needs are taken care of in one place, but it also makes it easy for your gynecologist to refer your case to other doctors if required.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is 35 a significant age for women's health?
At 35, women begin experiencing natural biological changes, including hormonal shifts and the onset of perimenopause. These changes can impact overall health, making regular monitoring and care essential.
2. What is perimenopause, and how does it affect women?
Perimenopause is the transitional stage before menopause, marked by irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, and hormonal fluctuations. Symptoms vary among individuals but can often be managed with medical guidance.
3. What health screenings are essential after 35?
Regular screenings like Pap smears, mammograms, lipid profiles, thyroid tests, and diabetes screenings are crucial for early detection of potential health issues.
4. How do hormonal changes impact health after 35?
Hormonal fluctuations, including changes in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels, can affect menstrual cycles, mood, bone density, and cardiovascular health.
5. What lifestyle changes can support gynecological health after 35?
A balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, stress management, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption are vital for maintaining overall and reproductive health.
6. Why are regular gynecological checkups important after 35?
Regular checkups help monitor bodily changes, detect early signs of health issues, and provide medical interventions to manage the transition through perimenopause and menopause smoothly.