We already know about many of the
great benefits of exercise (muscle mass
maintenance, cardiovascular
conditioning, weight control, bone
density maintenance) and now women
may be able to add another – lessening
of the severity of symptoms of
menopause.
Negative side effects as a result of
hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
have prompted many menopausal
women to approach menopause as a
natural part of the process of aging
rather than as a disease for which a
cure should be sought.
Although fitness gurus and trainers
have long contended exercise
positively impacts menopausal systems
(fewer hot flashes, more restful sleep,
more even moods) the scientific
research community is beginning to
take note. One study of 12
menopausal women over an eightweek
period of strength training found
that "40% felt less anxious and half
had less aching, stiffness, and
irritability." Results from another
study of 353 women tracked over a
period of four years encompassing
both diet and exercise components
showed a slowing in the
development of menopause-related
atherosclerosis.
Results are not conclusive, however, as
some small studies have shown
exercise does not positively affect
symptoms. Even so, according to
Dr. Carol Mangione, a UCLA
professor of medicine, "The health
benefits of exercise go far
beyond management of menopausal
symptoms. In your early 50's is a time
when lifestyle interventions can really
change the trajectory of chronic
disease and functional decline as you
age."
Source: The Miami Herald, 10-11-05 &
50plushealth.co.uk, 5-10-05
