Role of Lifestyle Approaches in the Management of the Menopause

Abstract

The lifestyle variables - physical activity, dietary intakes and smoking - are considered in relation to menopausal symptoms, skeletal and cardiovascular health in women experiencing the menopausal transition and in the postmenopausal years. Aerobic physical activity is recommended to reduce risk factors for coronary heart disease. Site specific high-resistance exercise maintains bone density in postmenopausal women but customary physical activity has not been proven to be effective, particularly during the perimenopause and in the early postmenopausal years. Calcium intakes greater than 1000 mg per day have a beneficial effect on bone density in postmenopausal women, but not during the menopausal transition. Cessation of smoking is advantageous to both cardiovascular and bone health. The weight gain and an increase in abdominal fat which occurs during midlife is detrimental on cardiovascular risk factors. Reduction in calorific intake and an increase in physical activity can diminish these changes. Dietary intakes of phytoestrogens are reported to reduce menopausal symptoms, improve serum lipid profiles and reduce bone loss. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of phytoestrogens and to prescribe the style of diet to prevent cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and reduce menopausal symptoms.