Menopause marks a significant phase in a woman’s life, signifying the permanent cessation of menstruation for a consecutive 12 months, primarily due to a decline in estrogen levels. It’s important to note that while it’s a natural process, menopause isn’t inherently linked to any specific illness or disease.
This transition represents the culmination of the female reproductive cycle, where the body undergoes a shift, leading to the loss of fertility as the finite supply of ovarian follicles becomes fully depleted.
Typically, the median age of menopause is 51 to 52 years old.
Symptoms of Menopause
- Hot flashes
- Night sweat
- Palpitations
- Migraine
- Anxiety
- Sleep disturbance
- Stress incontinence
- Urgency
- Sexual dysfunction
Benefits of Exercise for Menopause
1. Support Bone Health:
Menopause often brings a decrease in estrogen levels, which can lead to bone density loss. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, dancing, or resistance training, stimulate bone formation and help in preserving bone density. This can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, common concerns for women going through menopause.
2. Improve Sleeping Quality:
Menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes and night sweats, can disrupt sleep patterns. Exercise promotes better sleep by regulating the body’s temperature, reducing stress, and enhancing the production of sleep-inducing hormones. Consistent exercise can significantly improve sleep quality and duration, which is crucial for overall well-being during menopause.
3. Reduce Anxiety and Depression:
Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can contribute to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators, which can help alleviate these symptoms. Additionally, the sense of accomplishment from regular exercise and the social aspects of group activities can positively impact mental health.
4. Improve Cardiovascular Health:
With the decline in estrogen, women become more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases post-menopause. Regular aerobic exercises, like cycling, swimming, or brisk walking, enhance heart health by lowering blood pressure, improving circulation, and reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.
Example of Exercises that’s suitable for Menopause
1. Weight-Bearing Exercises:
- Brisk Walking: A simple yet effective weight-bearing exercise that supports bone health and cardiovascular fitness. Aim for 30 minutes most days of the week.
- Dancing: Engaging in dance routines or classes can be enjoyable while offering weight-bearing benefits.
2. Strength Training:
- Bodyweight Exercises: Squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks help build and maintain muscle mass and bone density.
- Resistance Band Workouts: These are gentle on the joints and effective in building strength.
3. Yoga:
- Yoga Poses: Specific poses like the Warrior series, Tree pose, and Bridge pose can help with balance, flexibility, and stress reduction.
4. Aerobic Exercise:
- Swimming: A low-impact exercise that improves cardiovascular health without stressing the joints.
- Cycling: Riding a bike outdoors or using a stationary bike helps in heart health and overall fitness.
5. Mind-Body Activities:
- Tai Chi: Known for its slow, flowing movements, it enhances balance, flexibility, and relaxation.
- Pilates: Strengthens the core, improves posture, and can be gentle on the joints.
Reference
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507826/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33095879/
Prepared by
Teh Yi Wen
Your Physio Alam Damai