8 Surprising Postmenopause Health Risks

Brittle bones and breast cancer aren’t the only concerns women face as their hormone levels change with age

- Susan Jara And Abha Srivastava

1 GUM DISEASE

After oestrogen levels decline, women become more susceptible to tooth loss and periodontal disease, so good oral hygiene counts more than ever. In addition, “some postmenopausal women note dry mouth, pain or burning in gum tissue, as well as altered taste for salty, peppery or sour foods,” says JoAnn V. Pinkerton, MD, executive director of the North American Menopause Society. According to Dr Teena Bedi, dental surgeon, orthodontist, implantologist and Invisalign provider, low oestrogen levels could lead to dry mouth. She also points out that the correlation between low oestrogen levels in menopausal women and periodontal disease is complex.

2 SLEEP APNOEA

The risk of developing sleep apnoea rises after menopause, probably because of a drop in the hormone progesterone, which stimulates breathing. Unfortunately, the condition isn’t diagnosed in nearly 90 per cent of affected women, says Pinkerton, citing the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study. Instead of the typical signs of the sleep disorder—snoring, pauses in breathing, excessive daytime sleepiness—women may experience insomnia, morning headache and anxiety.

3 DIABETES