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

1 GUM DISEASE

After estrogen 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, or 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.

2 SLEEP APNEA

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

3 DIABETES