Can menopause put you at risk of Alzheimer’s disease?
In the vast majority of women, menopause is manifested by hot flashes, sweating, difficulty in sleeping, mood changes, irritability, and mental fog.
Estrogens are a key factor in collagen and elastin production in the skin. Five years into menopause a woman has lost over 30% of her skin’s collagen. This loss can never be corrected even if hormonal replacement is implemented. Bone turnover is estrogen dependent, and its loss can lead to osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures.
Brain cells are in particular danger since hormones are important for neuron health and mental acuity.
Vaginal health is susceptible to lack of hormones as well. Over time, the vaginal PH will change leading to increased infections, decreased lubrication, and loss of elasticity. Also this can increase the risks of urinary infections.
Not a pretty picture!
Now, to add salt to the wound, a recent study showed that menopause could be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
In the study menopausal women showed higher amyloid deposition as well as lower gray and white matter volume on MRIs compared to the male group.
The study concluded that these brain changes in menopause can be a strong predictor of Alzheimer’s disease in the future.
So what can you do?
Dr DeJuliis recommends starting bioidentical hormone replacement as soon as possible to retain all the benefits that female hormones offer. Although it is never too late to start, scientific studies have shown the earlier the better. Dr DeJuliis has been prescribing bioidentical hormones for over 20 years. And she is a long-time user!
Love your body!