The Menopause and Your Future Health: What is Your Body Telling You?

Posted in , by Echelon Health

Menopause is a pivotal time in every woman’s life. The decline in estrogen levels can result in a variety of physiological changes. While common menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, joint pain and mood swings often garner the most attention, for many women, menopause also marks the beginning of increased risks for more serious health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, metabolic disorders and others. Understanding these changes and taking proactive steps is key to making informed decisions about your health and ensuring your future well-being.

At Echelon Health, we are proud to be the world’s leading provider of preventative health assessments. Based in Harley Street, London, we specialise in comprehensive private health assessments, providing our clients with an in-depth examination and a detailed overview of their current health. Unlike regular medical check-ups, which focus on specific symptoms or problems, our preventative health assessments evaluate and uncover potential health conditions and risk factors present in the body, giving you a full picture of your health.

Take the reigns of the menopause and your future health in your own hands and book a world-class private health assessment with leading specialists at Echelon Health.

In this article, we explore the critical connection between menopause and long-term health. By gaining insight into the physiological changes that occur during the menopause transition, women can take proactive steps to protect their well-being and secure a healthier future.

The Changing Landscape: Female Health Over 40

Despite being a significant portion of the global population, women over 40 often find themselves overlooked in medical research. A startling statistic reveals that only 8% of all medical research funding is allocated to women’s health, highlighting a significant gap in understanding and addressing their unique health needs.

The Menopause Charity highlights the reality that 33 million women in the UK will experience menopause. Yet, due to a lack of public awareness, inadequate training and social stigma, their health needs during this critical stage of life are often misunderstood and remain understudied.

The transition to menopause is not abrupt and the severity and duration of these symptoms can vary greatly among individuals. In fact, the perimenopause phase, which precedes menopause, can last for several years. Some women may experience only mild menopause symptoms, while others may face more significant challenges.

The Link Between Menopause and Future Health Risks

While hot flushes, mood changes and sleep problems are well-known symptoms of menopause, it is important to recognise that these are just the tip of the iceberg. Menopause is associated with a range of ‘silent risks’ that can have a significant impact on women’s health.

These can include:

  • Coronary Heart Disease (CHD): Research shows that the decline in estrogen levels can lead to significant changes in cholesterol levels and blood vessel function, putting women at greater risk of heart attack and stroke. Studies show that over the age of 55, the risk of heart attack in women increases significantly, often surpassing that in men.
  • Osteoporosis: Estrogen plays a vital role in bone health. Women can lose up to 20% of their bone density in the first five years after menopause, significantly increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Studies show that taking HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) can help in preventing these changes and maintain bone density.
  • Certain Cancers: Postmenopausal women are at a higher risk for certain types of cancer, including breast cancer and ovarian cancer, partly due to prolonged exposure to higher levels of estrogen earlier in life. While the risk increases with age, women need to remain vigilant about regular screenings, especially during and after menopause.
  • Lung Disease: Studies show that decreasing estrogen levels have been linked to an accelerated decline in lung function. Though often associated with smoking, lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer can pose risks for menopausal women.
  • Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes: Fluctuating hormone levels during menopause can increase the likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat and abnormal cholesterol levels—that elevate the risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
  • Cognitive Health and Dementia: Research suggests that hormonal changes during menopause may also be linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Estrogen is believed to have a neuroprotective effect, and its decline may contribute to a greater vulnerability to cognitive disorders.

As documented by NHS England, due to depleting hormone levels, the most common menopause symptoms include hot flashes, sleep disturbances, low mood, heart palpitations, joint paint, difficulty to concentrate, vaginal dryness. HRT treatment is often prescribed to alleviate some of these symptoms.

These risks during menopause often go undetected due to a lack of awareness and targeted screening, and many women may not realise that their symptoms are indicative of underlying health concerns.

The Importance of Early Detection

Understanding the specific risks associated with menopause-related changes is vital for preventing long-term diseases. Early detection can significantly improve your ability to prevent, manage or mitigate long-term diseases, allowing you to maintain your quality of life as you age.

The Cullinan Assessment

At Echelon Health, we take women’s health seriously. Recognising the unique challenges women face, we have developed The Cullinan Assessment, specifically designed to put women’s health at the forefront. This meticulously crafted health assessment is tailored for women aged 40 and over, focusing on the health risks that can be exacerbated by menopause.

The Cullinan Assessment is not a one-size-fits-all service; instead, it is a bespoke health assessment that considers your individual health profile, giving you a detailed understanding of the changes occurring in your body.

It includes the following:

  • Comprehensive Blood Checks: Including hormonal profiles and cancer markers to identify potential imbalances and risks.
  • Digital Mammogram: For early detection of breast cancer.
  • Transvaginal Ultrasound: To assess reproductive health and detect early signs of ovarian issues.
  • ECG: To monitor heart health and detect any abnormalities.
  • CT Coronary Angiogram: To evaluate the condition of your heart’s arteries.
  • CT Chest: Low-dose CT scanning is the gold standard for screening for lung cancer.
  • CT Bone Density: To measure bone strength and detect osteoporosis early.
  • Full Body Mole Check: To screen for skin cancer and other dermatological concerns.

World Class Wrap Around Service

To ensure a seamless and comfortable experience for all our clients, The Cullinan Assessment also includes:

  • Round-trip Transfer in a Chauffeur-Driven car: For stress-free travel to and from your appointments.
  • Overnight Stay in one of London’s top 5-star hotels: Offering luxury and relaxation during your visit.

At Echelon Health world radiologists, clinicians and experienced healthcare professionals provide personalised guidance and interpretation of the assessment results.

The Cullinan Assessment provides a holistic view of your health during the menopause transition, helping detect and address potential health risks early. By prioritising proactive care, we empower women to take control of their health and secure a healthier future.

What is Your Body Telling You? A Holistic View of Your Health

At Echelon Health, we are committed to providing the most comprehensive and advanced preventive health assessments currently available anywhere in the world. Amongst our suite of services, the Platinum Assessment is a testament to this commitment, offering an unparalleled level of detail and accuracy that sets the global standard for health evaluations.

With over 30 years of clinical expertise, we have combined cutting-edge imaging technology with specialist expertise and exceptional client service to create the most advanced health assessment available today. The Platinum Assessment is designed to leave no stone unturned, capturing tumours as small as 1-2mm and detecting up to 92% and 95% of the causes of preventable death among men and women, respectively.

The Benchmark of Excellence

A complete game changer for health, our private health assessments are designed to go beyond surface-level symptoms and delve deeply into what is happening inside your body right now. Unlike other assessments that rely on a single imaging modality, our Platinum Assessment utilises a combination of the most advanced MRI, CT and Ultrasound technology, alongside comprehensive blood tests (over 40 parameters) including tumour markers. This multi-faceted approach ensures that no potential health risk is overlooked.

Unparalleled Expertise

Each scan and image from your health assessment is meticulously reviewed by up to seven of the most renowned radiologists in the country, ensuring the highest level of diagnostic accuracy. Our health assessments culminate in a detailed follow-up consultation with one of our senior clinicians, where the findings are thoroughly discussed and used to create a bespoke health strategy that addresses your risks and needs. Whether it is recommending lifestyle changes, suggesting further medical evaluations, or providing detailed insights into your health, we ensure that your plan is tailored specifically for you.

Independently Verified

Don’t just take out word for it. Our approach has been independently verified by experts acknowledging that ‘the service we are providing at present is the best that can be achieved in current practice with existing knowledge.’ At Echelon Health, we believe that when it comes to your health, no detail is too small. All our Health Assessment Packages embody this philosophy, providing you with the peace of mind that every aspect of your health has been meticulously examined and no stone has been left unturned.

We take great pride in the service we provide, but we believe the most accurate reflections come from those who have experienced it themselves. From business people, well known TV personalities to line managers and personnel at your company and more - anyone can take advantage of our world services.

With a commitment to early detection and intervention, Echelon Health has earned a reputation for excellence in identifying potential health risks before they become serious. We are extremely proud of the service we offer but we know that the most powerful endorsements come from those who have experienced it first-hand.

Take Charge of Your Health

Taking control of your health is the most important step you can take towards a longer, healthier and happier life. Booking your preventive health screening with us is straightforward and tailored to your unique needs. Whether you are interested in early detection, confirming or ruling out risk factors associated with family history, or simply gaining a better understanding of your overall health, a private health assessment can provide the insights you need.

Don’t Let Finances Get in the Way of Your Health

We understand that financial concerns can sometimes be a barrier to accessing top-tier health care. This is why we are delighted to offer various finance options to help clients spread the cost of their health assessment.

To Schedule Your Appointment:

  1. Visit Our Website: Explore our comprehensive Health Assessment Packages.
  2. Contact Us: For further information and a confidential conversation with our Head of Private Clients contact us today.

Our dedicated team is here to answer any questions, guide you seamlessly through the booking process and help you discover how easy it can be to take your health into your own hands.

Sources:

The combination of losing a seemingly healthy sibling to a brain tumour, a milestone birthday and 30+ years of a highly stressful career were the catalysts for me in signing up for the Echelon Platinum Health Assessment.
Amanda Wakeley OBE
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