Your Guide to Women’s Health After 40

Navigating Changes in Your Health

Entering your 40s and 50s as a woman can bring about many new health matters that can be complicated to navigate. Preventative screenings, physical and mental health, and planning for the future (including menopause) can add new layers to your visits with your healthcare team.

But with the right preparation and information, you can be ready to thrive through all of the important changes that come with this phase of your life.

What to Know About Menopause

Menopause is a normal part of aging and typically occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55. It’s caused by a decline in the natural production of reproductive hormones and marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. You are considered to be in menopause if a full year has elapsed since your last menstrual period.

Possible symptoms of menopause include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Changes in sex drive
• Sleep disturbances
• Weight gain
• Changes in mood and energy

There are many approaches to managing symptoms of menopause, which can include a combination of lifestyle optimization, natural remedies, prescription medications (e.g., oral, device, topical/vaginal) and mental health support. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is always important; self-help tips can be found on the Office of Women’s Health website.

It may also be helpful to connect with your primary care, gynecology and/or endocrinology teams to discuss additional treatment options, such as:

• Vaginal and/or topical creams
• Prescription medications (including antidepressants)
• Hormone replacement therapy (such as estrogen and progesterone)
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• And others that may fit your individual health needs

It’s important to note that treatment for menopause can look different for everyone. It’s about curating an approach that makes sense for you, your body and your mind. Lean on your care team to help you navigate the menopause maze.

Important Preventative Health Measures for Women in Their 40s and 50s

Many conditions and cancers affecting women are treatable and/or preventable if they are detected early enough. That means the most effective way to stay healthy is to ensure you’re getting your recommended screenings.

Consider the following:

• Breast Cancer: Women should generally begin receiving breast cancer screenings every one-to-two years beginning at age 40 until roughly 74. Talk to your care team about individual risk factors, such as age and family history, that may affect your recommended timeline.
• Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer screening is recommended for the general population beginning at age 45 and again every few years until 75. You may need earlier and/or more frequent screening if you have addition risk factors. While colonoscopies continue to be the preferred option for colorectal screening, stool-based tests are becoming popular and available.
• Cervical Cancer: Cervical cancer screening with HPV testing, pap smears, or a combination, are generally recommended for women between the ages of 21 and 65 to detect cervical cancer. Depending on your personal health needs, your care team may recommend specific frequency of screenings or additional testing.
• Bone Health: Bone mineral density testing is used to assess the mineral content of your bones, which can help your care team diagnose osteoporosis, a chronic condition that affects women at higher rates than men. It is typically recommended for women older than 65. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation may help prevent osteoporosis.

The risk of conditions like type-2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke increases as women age, so it’s important to undergo regular screenings for hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia, as recommended by your primary care provider.

Maintaining your physical wellbeing can help you manage your risk; eat a well-balanced diet that includes whole grains, healthy fats, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and make sure to get enough exercise. (Aim for roughly 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. That could be one hour a day, three days a week, or 30 minutes a day, five days a week.)

Working with your care team to optimize your blood pressure is key. Heart disease is a leading cause of death among American women, with more than 60 million women living with heart disease in the United States, so it’s important to make your heart health a top priority.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health

Women tend to experience symptoms of anxiety at higher rates than men, with 21.4% of women reporting symptoms compared to just 14.8% of men. Similar gender differences can be seen in depression, with 24.5% of women reporting symptoms compared to 18% of men.

While mental health is complicated, practicing good stress management can help. Consider the following:

• Exercise regularly
• Connect with family and friends or find other ways to connect
• Pick up a hobby (or practice an old one!)
• Journal your thoughts
• Get some sunlight
• Seek counseling to support you through various situations

Talk to your care team about managing your mental health. They can provide the guidance and resources that are right for you.