Menopause is the point in time twelve months after a woman’s last period
When does it start?
- The menopause transition is a normal part of aging for women and is a natural process where a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs and the production of female hormones declines.
- Usually occurs between the ages of 40-50.
- Common symptoms and physiological changes throughout the menopause transition include: hot flashes, irregularity of menstrual cycle, higher incidence of osteoperosis and coronary heart disease.
Is exercise safe during menopause?
- Yes, it is recommended that perimenopausal and postmenopausal women engage in a structured exercise routine.
- Exercise should include aerobic training, strength training and balance exercises.
- Exercise is beneficial to address physiological changes during menopause.
- Strength training helps improve muscle and bone mass which decreases with osteoporosis
- Balance exercises help reduce the risk of falling which increase with aging
- Aerobic exercise helps improve cardiovascular endurance
Exercise should be individualized and women should seek guidance from a medical professional prior to starting a new exercise routine.