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Menopause
A Quick Guide for Women in their 40s
The 40s are a pivotal time for women's health, a time when certain medical conditions start developing and when the groundwork is being set for the next 40 years. That makes now the perfect opportunity to sit down with a health expert.
In case you haven't yet made the time, here's a preview of what you need to know:
A Quick Overview
"Health often falls by the wayside for women because they are caretakers," explains Jolanta Lukawski, M.D., an internal medicine physician at Hoag Health Center-Aliso Viejo. "But this is a time to really start taking care of yourself and laying the foundation for the future.
"Health is about more than being free of disease.
It's about total quality of life - mind, body and spirit. Healthcare is a partnership. You have to work in conjunction with your physician."
Diet and Exercise
"In terms of diet, everything has to be in balance. The old food pyramid is not a good model. Instead, think of it as a square - eat everything in moderation. Eat more fish and fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat smaller portions of carbohydrates. Have healthy snacks like almonds or carrot sticks or string cheese. "Orange County is perfect for exercise because of the weather and abundance of parks and walkways. Sun is a healthy stimulus. Just put on your hat and your sunblock and go for a walk or a bike ride. You don't have to go to the gym. I write prescriptions for my patients that say, 'Walk 20 minutes every day."
Heart Disease
"Heart disease is the number-one killer of women," states Neala Hunter, M.D., a cardiologist at Hoag. "It usually affects those in their 50s or 60s, but the patterns that cause it are set earlier, even before your 40s. Cholesterol and stress are the biggest risks at this age.
"Heart attacks are more likely to be fatal for women, often because you may not necessarily experience classic symptoms like chest pains. Instead, you may experience shortness of breath or a twinge in the shoulder.
"We do believe that women are protected to some degree from heart disease by their hormones, but after menopause the risks are the same as men."
Cancer
"If you smoke, you really need to quit," explains Robert O. Dillman, M.D., medical director at Hoag Cancer Center. "We see so many women in their 40s with lung cancer. While most lung cancer occurs after the age of 50, the damage from smoking is done in the years before."
"You also need to have an annual pelvic exam," adds Stephanie McClellan, M.D., an OB/GYN at Hoag. "It's important not to get lax on that. Also, know your family history. One of the hallmarks of hereditary cancers is that they develop early."
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women," says Lincoln Snyder, M.D., medical director of Hoag Breast Care Center. "Early detection is key to optimal cure rates, so be sure to have an annual mammogram and clinical breast exam, and learn how to perform a self exam - there is a right way to do it.
Osteoporosis
"Another significant health risk in post-menopausal years is Osteoporosis. In fact, the threat is often greater than many cancers for women at this stage of life," says Dr. McClellan. "Risk factors include petite body frame, white or Asian ancestry, sedentary lifestyle, heavy caffeine and/or alcohol intake, smoking, lifelong low calcium intake and age.
"The DEXA scan can detect bone loss as little as one percent. It is usually recommended for women over 50, but if you have risk factors, contact your healthcare provider for a possible referral. In the meantime, take 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of supplemental calcium, and perform weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging and light weightlifting for 30 minutes, three times per week (as opposed to biking or swimming)."
A New Beginning
"This is the time to be enjoying life," Dr. Lukawski explains. "Your kids are getting older. You have the freedom to do things, to take up new activities. There's no reason why you can't feel good and have lots of energy.
"This is not the beginning of the end, it's the beginning of a new beginning."
For more information about Hoag Women's Health Services, please call 800/701-HOAG (4624).
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