Your health in your 40s and 50s

As we get older, our bodies begin to change. Here's what to expect - and what to do by Andrea Wren

The years that mark the end of our reproductive time are significant both emotionally and physically, and along with the general process of ageing (which we cannot deny, as much as we try), it has huge repercussions on our health in the 40s and 50s. So what to expect?

Addressing the health issues of women at all stages of life in her new book, 'The Seven Ages of Woman' (Bantam Press, £14.99), Dr Rosemary Leonard breaks down these years of a women's life into the peri-menopausal (age 40-49) and the menopausal (age 50-59) years.

 

Life in the peri-menopause

The peri-menopause lies behind unpredictable hormones in the 40s – the time leading up to the menopause. This usually occurs in the late 40s/early 50s, when menstruation ceases. Dr Leonard says: 'Hormone levels are beginning to change, and it's not all good news. The effects of these changes can be dramatic, worrying and annoying.'

A few lucky women may barely notice this time, while many suffer with irregular periods, moodiness, weight gain, tiredness, and other signs of hormonal havoc, such as pre-menstrual syndrome. And fluctuating hormones, as well as their impact on the menstrual cycle, can be behind the development of fibroids – linked to high oestrogen levels.

But, says Dr Shamim Daya, a holistic GP who runs the Wholistic Medical Centre in London, 'There is a steady decline in hormone function generally, especially the thyroid, from the age of 40 onwards, becoming more apparent in women over 50. There is also a slow and gentle decline in stomach acid production and this primarily affects the digestion and absorption of essential nutrients.'

So women have to think more carefully about diet and nutrition, as well as being more likely to experience auto-immune disorders such as thyroid problems (having an under- or over-active thyroid) and rheumatoid arthritis (another auto-immune disorder), which most commonly appear in women aged 40-plus.

The loss of collagen in the skin in the 40s means that the dreaded signs of ageing are inevitable, with lines and wrinkles appearing. Yet your best protection isn't the latest ultra-expensive anti-ageing moisturiser full of promise, but to cover up with a high-factor suncream and to quit smoking, if you still do. Do this, and age gracefully.

 

Life beyond the menopause

Once you're in the menopause, usually between 47 and 53, opinion is increasingly divided on the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) because of its link to breast cancer, comments Dr Leonard. Some women may choose alternative help (see the leaflet 'I'm not mad, I'm menopausal' available by emailing menopauseadvice@wassen.co.uk). Increasing your intake of vitamin E, which behaves in a similar way to oestrogen, may improve matters. Eat walnuts, almonds, eggs, dried beans and wheatgerm oil.

The propensity to gain weight more easily is a normal part of ageing as your metabolism slows down, but the menopausal drop in oestrogen – which protects against osteoporosis and heart disease in the reproductive years – now makes it important to adjust your lifestyle and diet to compensate.

A nutritious, balanced diet - and eating only when hungry - is important, as is increasing dietary sources of calcium such as dairy, pulses, nuts, seeds and tinned sardines to prevent osteoporosis (which can affect one in three women). Try taking calcium supplements if you have trouble getting enough in your diet (try the Vitabiotics Osteocare range, available from www.osteocare.com.

Breast cancer and checking your breasts should be taken seriously by all women, but it matters more for women in the menopause. Dr Leonard says: 'At this age you can't ignore your increased chance of getting breast cancer.' Checking breasts for changes in size or shape, lumps, bumps, discharges or anything else abnormal, is crucial.

There may be a new set of health issues to consider in the 40s and 50s, but as women, when haven't we been able to take it on the chin? Preparation is everything.

 

How to help yourself

Time to move! Exercise advice from Dr Shamim Daya of the Wholistic Medical Centre, who says: 'Regular exercise will keep the circulation and lymphatics moving well, reduce the toxic load and improve blood sugar and blood pressure issues. It will also help to keep weight down and improve mood, stamina and overall wellbeing.

'It helps to follow a regular exercise regime that keeps your heart rate in the right "zone" for your age. If you're a 45-year-old woman that would mean exercising with an approximate heart rate of 125-135 beats per minute. If you're 55, that would mean exercising with an approximate heart rate of 115-125 beats per minute.'

Weight-bearing and bone-strengthening exercise also decreases the chances of developing osteoporosis.

 

The tests you need

According to Dr Leonard, these are the regular tests you need after the age of 40:

 

Every two years:

Eye test - eyesight can begin to change from now

Blood pressure check (50-plus)

Every three years:

A mammogram (particularly if over 50) – breast cancer is most common in older women

Blood pressure check (40-plus)

Cervical smear - vital in detecting pre-cancerous cells and should be had more often if you've ever had an abnormal smear or genital warts. The NHS Cervical Screening Programme says that women under 50 need a cervical smear every three years.

 
Every five years:

Blood cholesterol check