The complications of menopause can be serious and long lasting. Your doctor or healthcare professional can help with treatment options.

Menopause is a natural part of aging. Every person who has a menstrual cycle will eventually experience it.

Typically, menopause is a process that may take years. If you have your ovaries surgically removed, menopause will happen immediately after surgery, and its symptoms will follow.

Along with the symptoms of menopause, changes in hormones and your body may cause complications. Read on for more information about the complications of menopause and how they are treated.

Before, during, and after menopause, you may experience changes in your body that can affect your health. The most common health complications of menopause include the following:

Before menopause, estrogen levels help lower the riskTrusted Source of heart disease. As menopause progresses, that risk increases significantly due to dropping levels of estrogen.

As estrogen declines, cholesterol can increase inside the arteries, and body fat accumulates in the abdominal area. You may develop high blood pressure or diabetes. All of these increase your riskTrusted Source of cardiovascular disease.

ResearchTrusted Source suggests that lifestyle changes both before and during menopause may help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. These changes include:

  • getting regular physical activity
  • eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet
  • maintaining a moderate weight
  • getting plenty of sleep
  • keeping your cholesterol levels low
  • maintaining healthy blood pressure
  • keeping blood glucose levels in a healthy range

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become brittle and break easily. Osteoporosis increases the risk of spinal injury and hip fracture. As your estrogen levels decrease in menopause, your risk of developing osteoporosis increasesTrusted Source.

You can help keep your bones strong by following these steps:

  • Do weight-bearing exercise: Examples of weight-bearing exercises that may help keep your bones healthy include:
    • weightlifting, including dumbbells and weight machines
    • resistance bands
    • exercises and equipment that help you lift your body weight
    • toe rises
  • Follow a balanced diet: Prioritize nutrient-dense foods that include calcium, vitamin D, and protein.
  • Avoid unhealthy habits: Avoid smoking and high alcohol consumption.
  • Manage your weight: Maintain a moderate weight.
  • Speak with your healthcare professional: Discuss your family history, medications, fall risks, and other risk factors with your doctor or other healthcare professional and how they may affect your bone health.

During and after menopause, you may have urinary tract complications like incontinence and leaking urine, especially when laughing, coughing, or standing. You may also have an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Treatment options for urinary tract complications from menopause include antibiotics and hormone therapy. Speak with your doctor to see whether other treatment options are available for your condition.

During and after menopause, vaginal skin can become thinner and drier, making vaginal sex painful for some people. Another result of decreasing hormone levels can be a decrease in libido. Other symptoms like fatigue and pain can also affect your interest in having sex.

Treatment for vaginal and sexual complications of menopause includesTrusted Source over-the-counter medications to help relieve vaginal dryness both daily and during sex and prescription medication to help ease pain during intercourse.

Menopause can also affect your mental health, causing:

These changes can be long-lasting and significantly affect your quality of life.

Treatment options include hormone therapy along with medications that treat mental health conditions.

Research suggests hormone therapy alone may not be as effective as medications that treat specific conditions like depression and anxiety. Counseling and therapy are also recommended.

Sleep difficulties and insomnia can become a significant problem during and after menopause. You may have difficulty falling and staying asleep. These changes can contribute to other complications like mental health, cardiovascular risks, and sexual health.

The National Institute on AgingTrusted Source suggests the following to help improve your sleep quality:

  • Have a sleep schedule: Go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
  • Avoid naps: Napping, especially in the late afternoon and evening, can make sleep difficult at night.
  • Create a bedtime routine: Choose activities that you find relaxing, such as reading, bathing, or listening to soothing music or sounds.
  • Avoid screens like TV, your computer, or your phone in your bedroom: Light from screens may make it difficult for you to fall asleep.
  • Keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature: A quiet room that’s not too hot or too cold is best for sleep.
  • Exercise earlier in the day: Avoid exercising close to bedtime.
  • Eat earlier and avoid heavy dinners: An overly full stomach can make sleep difficult.
  • Avoid caffeine later in the day: Caffeine is found in many foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, and chocolate.
  • Avoid alcohol, especially in the evening: Even small amounts of alcohol can make it harder to stay asleep.

Menopause is a natural part of aging. It may come with symptoms that can lead to serious and lasting complications.

Your doctor or another healthcare professional can help you find the best treatment options for the menopause complications and symptoms you may be experiencing.