Believe it or not, many females in the 40+ age group feel healthier and better than they were in their 20s. That’s what gaining some wisdom and taking care of yourself does for you, go figure. Maybe you’re one of those ladies? Find out the truths and myths for women’s health after 40 below.
We don’t just seek to manage the changes our bodies go through as we age – we strive to be at our absolute healthiest so that we can feel our best. But there’s just so much outdated women’s health information out there to watch out for. The intentions are good, but for the sake of our health and well-being, we have to ensure we’re up-to-date and properly informed about some common misconceptions.
About hysterectomies
Let’s get straight to the point: if your doctor tells you that you need a hysterectomy, take the recommendation with caution. Look for a second opinion and a third one even – unless it’s an emergency.
Hysterectomies have saved many women’s lives, and there’s no doubt about that. But, shockingly, the majority of hysterectomies today could be avoided.
Medicine has greatly advanced, and there are alternative, safe treatments that spare the uterus. They can replace hysterectomy procedures for non-cancerous conditions.
A few of those conditions are endometriosis, vaginal bleeding, uterine prolapse, and fibroids. If you do, after all, need a hysterectomy, ask about the new minimally invasive options.
Women after 40: Perimenopause and pregnancy
Did you know that women in their 40s follow right behind teenagers as age groups with the most unplanned pregnancies? Yes, and that’s because of the widespread myths out there about fertility health during perimenopause.
Here’s the deal. Even when your periods are few and far between, you can still get pregnant. And that’s all the way up to menopause when it has been a full year since the final menstrual period. Here are five more fertility myths that belong in the past.
The increased risk of UTIs
Perimenopausal and menopausal women are more prone to urinary tract infections, luckily they can be easily treated by the best urology clinic. That’s a fact. But the reason behind this is not the result of being exposed to more bacteria, as many women mistakenly believe.
UTIs become frequent as estrogen levels drop, and this is because estrogen plays an important role in protecting the body against infections. Lowered estrogen levels, vaginal dryness, and frequent UTIs are all connected. There are some helpful prevention strategies for recurring UTIs.
Here are a few suggestions from Harvard Health:
- Urination habits: sitting in a relaxed seated position and relaxing pelvic floor muscles instead of straining to urinate
- Make sure you empty your bladder completely
- Emptying the bladder after sex to flush out any additional bacteria introduced to the urinary tract
- Drinking plenty of water and emptying the bladder regularly so that bacteria doesn’t build up and increase the risk of infection
The estrogen roller coaster
Here’s another of the myths about health for you: estrogen levels go on a slow and gradual decline for women after 40.
Although this belief is so popular, it’s far from the truth. Estrogen dominance is very common for a number of reasons.
Estrogen often goes on wild rides during perimenopause, reaching levels higher than those of younger women and then plummeting. It’s these fluctuations that cause uncomfortable symptoms similar to those of menopause. Some examples are:
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
- Trouble sleeping
Doctors recommend reducing excess estrogen with natural supplements or using natural progesterone to prevent these estrogen spikes and regain physiological balance. It is possible to alleviate these symptoms and keep your estrogen fluctuations at bay. Just make sure to visit your doctor and ask about natural treatment.
Along with that, we can’t stress enough the importance of exercise and a healthy diet. Not only will it help regulate estrogen levels, but it’s also the absolute best way to raise dopamine levels naturally.
By increasing dopamine production, you’ll be helping your entire system regain balance starting from the top – and that’s your mind. Never forget that although all these changes are of a straightforward medicinal nature, our bodies depend so much on our minds to guide them.
Women’s health after 40: Breast cancer and genetics
When it comes to breast cancer, way too many women think they’re in the clear because there’s no history of it in their families. But, here are the facts.
About 10% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a close family member also diagnosed, and another 10% have someone further down the family tree with the same diagnosis. The other 80% have no family history of breast cancer at all.
If you’re among the women who listened to their doctor’s advice and started to get regular breast cancer screenings, that’s the best way to go. But, if not, take this advice and pencil one in right now.
Family history is one risk factor for breast cancer, and that’s why doctors are so pressing about it, but it’s not the only one. Let’s continue to tell our loved ones to get regular screenings to help dispel the myths about health like this one.
Preventing heart disease with statins
Statin drugs are prescribed to help lower cholesterol levels, and their popularity has increased over the years as some studies have pointed to their role in preventing heart disease. But don’t be too quick to jump on the statin bandwagon. There hasn’t really been a single randomized controlled trial to prove this effect.
They might be right for you, but be cautious with using prescription drugs as a form of prevention. If you’re concerned about heart disease, consult your doctor and learn about the details of your situation. When it comes to reducing the risks, lifestyle changes are always the best way to go.
Women after 40: Final words on truths and myths about health
Being over 40 now is different than it was for our mothers. Medicine has advanced and the lifestyle is different, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.
The attitude has especially changed; your mother probably would have never wanted to talk about her reproductive health, estrogen, or the symptoms of menopause. And here we are, with an entire community dedicated to sharing stories and informing ourselves.
In light of that, let’s get rid of the old myths. Let’s use the advantages and the knowledge of the modern-day so that we can nurture our well-being and feel our best.
About today’s writer
Caitlin is a bookworm and recreational dancer. She is also a medical student in love with science in all its forms.
When she is not trying to find the meaning of life and the Universe, Caitlin is researching and writing about various health-related and well-being-related topics. She is happily addicted to art in all its forms, grilled tofu, and hiking. To see what Caitlin is up to next, check out Twitter.
Thanks for the great post, I am 44 and never felt better, xx
Awesome!! Your comment makes me happy :)
Good article.
Hope you’re having a nice start to the New Year!
Thanks Christy. I am and I’m looking forward to bigger and bigger experiences. I hope the same for you too.
Aw, YES, let’s make 2019 the best year yet! :)
I love this post. Thank you Christy for a nice article.
So great you found the post on women over 40 and health to be helpful :)
Thanks for the nice feedback, Jarrett!
Yes, being in tune is important! 45 here and feeling these sudden hot flashes over the last few weeks. Had the partial hysterectomy at 26. Your post hit so close to home. I can say my body has been experiencing many odd things since the passing of my father in August. Grief or age? Only time will tell but I’ll be a little older, ha ha. Great read, thank you!
I send many thoughts of peace and strength your way, Robin
Many great facts here. The biggest eye opener for me was the amount of women who get breast cancer that don’t have it in their families. Goes to figure that there are so many myths that automatically take as fact.
Thanks for posting this informative article Christy. I agree with Saugren, we have to be diligent about breast cancer. I was at a wedding recently and the bride’s mom passed last year due to it. It was a wonderful day but sad that she missed it. Early detection is key for so many cancers. As I read from dancing palmtops above, we have to maintain our bodies – that’s our job in life. Take care f the body you want to take care of you. Thank you so much Christy – hugs :)
P.S. I’m so happy I found your new site too, makes me happy!
What you say about maintaining our bodies is spot on, Joan. I’m sorry to hear about your friend’s mom… Big hugs xo
Yes. It’s so important to know the early signs of detection for breast cancer… Thanks Saguren for taking time here.
Awesome knowledge, dear christy B. Thanks very much
So great to have it appreciated, John
Another awesome share, Christy! Thank you. :)
Hi Natalie, thank you as always for your support :)
Excellent article by Caitlin. Having been through the mill with a number of issues starting at 39 through to 54.. I can confirm that life on the other side is considerably better…thanks both of you.
Your positive wording here speaks volumes of your beautiful outlook on life, Sally. And thank YOU for being here too.
Very good advice here. I agree about hysterectomies, they can cause many unforeseen problems for women. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at 76 years old with no family history at all.
It’s jarring when cancer comes from seemingly nowhere… Thanks for sharing about your own family Robbie to hopefully help others.
Great article. I’m approaching my 40s and thoughts of menopause are on my mind. A lot of good information here.
So glad Caitlin’s post is valuable for you. Let’s rock our 40s!
Good article from Caitlin – from one here who wrote a book on the dragons of menopause LOL. Yes. the estrogen trip is a wild ride and then what happens after our last drops evaporate. Please make sure if you MUST take statin drugs to supplement with COQ10. Any good doctor should know this and recommend. :)
The wild ride of estrogen – hmmm perhaps a future book title for someone?! Thanks Debby xxoo
Already writing a sequel! :) xx
You know I’ll get a copy of your next book :D
You’re such a sweety. <3
YOU are xxoo
<3 x
I agree with the advice, Christy. (Been there, done that.) Thanks, Caitlin.
Caitlin’s post is wonderful and so glad you agree, Norah
Awesome article, I read it in a flash, i’ll be 43 in October so I’m extra vigilant. Thanks for sharing!!!❤️👏🙏
Wow you have a very youthful look – I was thinking you were at least ten years below that!!
Yes. This article is spot on. Great post! Thanks for sharing your wisdom with all of us! :)
You’re truly a breath of fresh air, Lisa!
Awww….thanks, Christy!
Hope your 2019 is off to a great start, Lisa!
It is Christy, I hope yours is as well! :)
Great to hear :) Yes, I’m doing well, thank you!
I was very healthy in my 40s, especially my early 40s. Went to the gym. Got plenty of exercise. Ate good. In fact I graduated from college at age 43. Had loads of energy. My health problems started at age 49 when I had my stroke. No. I’m not fat. In my case it was heredity. Caused by high blood pressure which runs on my father’s side of the family.
Back in the day we used to call unexpected pregnancies after age 40, “Change of Life babies.” Even though I had a partner at that time I never got pregnant but if I had it would have been a Blessing. I had a good job and was making good money. However having children was not in God’s plan for me.
I agree that women need to pay more attention to their bodies and their health as they get older. Don’t take good health for granted. Your body is a machine and it must be maintained.
Being in tune with our bodies is important and I’m hopeful that more women are becoming this way. It can be scary to look at ourselves honestly but so much healing can come of it. Thank you for your contributions here in comments and love.