Now that Baby Boomers are entering into menopause and postmenopause it is being studied as never before. There are 38 million “boomer” women between the ages of forty and fifty-eight. This generation of women who were never going to “trust anyone over thirty” are having understandable struggles with accepting the aging process. The good news is that resources are now being devoted to studying the health risks of the menopausal years.

The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Study

In 1992, the landmark Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study was launched by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This study is the largest long-term study of menopausal women's health ever done in the United States and focuses on the major causes of death and disability in postmenopausal women. It includes over 161,000 women from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds from around the country, and provides scientific and practical information on the causes and risks of chronic disease so that women and their care providers can make informed choices.

Hormone Therapies

For decades, it was accepted medical practice to offer women some sort of hormone replacement therapy to ease the transition into postmenopause and to lower the risks associated with the transition, such as cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis. One of the most dramatic results from the WHI study was the discovery that not only is estrogen replacement not always protective, it may even increase the risk of disease in female patients. These remarkable findings caused confusion in the medical community about the wisdom of menopausal hormone therapies, and follow-up studies are still sorting out the risks and details.

Exercise

Exercise has long been recommended for general health improvement, and menopause only underlines the value of it for women. New research shows just how important exercise can be for improving not only general health, but also quality of life and reduction of many menopausal symptoms. It affects mood, flexibility, bone density, joint comfort, heart health, and cancer risk. And you don't have to be a marathon runner or triathelete to benefit from adopting exercise into your routine. Many types of activity — from strength training to simple walking — can make noticeable improvements in your menopausal health. Knowing the facts can help you make good choices about the type of exercise that will work for you.

Sexuality

It's not too surprising that the generation that authored “The Sexual Revolution” seems determined to continue the pleasures of a healthy sex life. With the development of drugs for erectile dysfunction and increased focus on women's sexual response, sexual activity is seen as a normal part of life well into later years. Menopause can have a marked impact on your approach to this aspect of your life as mood changes, vaginal dryness, and decreased libido begin to rear their heads. Managing these and other symptoms is acceptable now that women are voicing their dissatisfaction with their sex lives around menopause. Research in the areas of sexuality offers hope and choices for making this a free and satisfying time of life for you and your partner. Chapter 9 explores sexuality during and after menopause and provides information and resources to keep your sexual self thriving.

Chronic Disease

As women move through the menopause and on to the rest of life, they are at increasing risk for chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. With the right attitude and information, you can minimize these risks and make simple lifestyle changes that can make an enormous difference in your quality of life and even your lifespan! As research focuses on the differences between women's health and men's health, it is clear that many health conditions can be minimized or prevented if you learn about them early.