Contraception in the menopause
Contraception is also very important during menopause. At this age pregnancies are in many cases no longer desired. In the age group of the 40 to 45-year-olds in Germany there are over a thousand abortions per year.
It is often difficult to say exactly when one can no longer become pregnant. As a rule, it is not possible to say for sure until one year after the last bleeding that it was the last bleeding and you can no longer become pregnant. In principle, all common contraceptives can be used during the menopause, provided there are no other reasons for not doing so. In case of doubt, a discussion with the gynaecologist treating you may be useful and helpful.
What is the connection between menopause and depression?
There is clear evidence that there is a link between menopause and depression. For example, post-menopausal women suffer from depression significantly more often than pre-menopausal women. However, it is unclear how much the altered hormone levels promote the development of depression.
It has been shown that depression is less pronounced in women in the menopause who are on hormone therapy. It is suspected that the estrogen has a positive effect on the serotonin metabolism. Independently of the menopause, there are other external influences which occur more frequently in this phase of life and can promote depression. For example, children leaving home, changes in professional life, divorce or disturbed sexuality can all have a negative effect on mood during this phase. In view of this multitude of influencing factors, it is unclear how strong the connection between menopause and depression actually is.
What is the connection between menopause and osteoporosis?
In osteoporosis the bone density decreases. Back and joint complaints are more frequent. As the disease progresses, fractures often occur without the need for external force such as a fall.
Osteoporosis can be a long-term consequence of the menopause. The estrogen had a positive effect on bone formation by inhibiting the bone-destroying cells. Oestrogen also promotes the absorption of calcium.
When the oestrogen level drops during menopause, this positive effect is lost and bone resorption increases. The bone mass then decreases by 1 to 4 percent annually. Every third to fourth woman in Germany over 50 suffers from osteoporosis. Hormone replacement therapy can be used to treat this osteoporosis.