Menopause is no longer perceived simply as a "stage of age." Today, doctors describe it as a crucial period of resetting the female body—a time when hormonal levels, bone health, vascular health, metabolism, and even the risk of serious diseases change.
A modern approach to menopause involves not only addressing hot flashes or insomnia but also a comprehensive medical examination that helps prevent osteoporosis, thrombosis, cardiovascular problems, and hormonal imbalances.
Top-category oncologic surgeon and plastic surgeon Oksana Harashchenko explained that during menopause, women should undergo a comprehensive examination rather than focusing solely on symptoms.
Modern medicine is gradually changing its attitude toward menopause. What was hushed up for years or dismissed as "normal age-related changes" is now seen as a time when the body desperately needs attention.
After 45–50 years, a woman's body begins to undergo significant changes, such as decreased estrogen levels, changes in bone density, a slowing metabolism, an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and changes in the functioning of the endocrine system.
While many women focus solely on external symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain, or mood changes, doctors emphasize that the most important changes during this period often occur "silently," without any obvious signals from the body.
A menopause checkup is essential
According to Oksana Garashchenko, a woman during menopause should undergo a comprehensive examination to assess the condition of her skeletal system, blood vessels, hormonal levels, risk of thrombosis, and overall metabolic health.
Menopause is not an isolated issue, but a period when the functioning of many systems changes simultaneously. This is why modern checkups include not just one test, but a comprehensive preventative program:
- Bones. One of the most important areas of examination is bone health. After estrogen levels drop, bones begin to lose density significantly faster. This increases the risk of osteoporosis, fractures, compression fractures, and hip fractures. Doctors consider hip fractures to be among the most dangerous consequences of age-related changes in women.
- Hormones and the Endocrine System. Another key stage of the checkup is an assessment of hormonal and endocrine health. During menopause, the functioning of the thyroid gland, reproductive system, glucose metabolism, and fat metabolism changes. Therefore, doctors recommend monitoring hormonal levels, blood chemistry, sugar levels, lipid profile, and liver and kidney function. Such changes often affect not only well-being but also the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Vascular Health. During menopause, the risk of varicose veins, vascular changes, circulatory problems, and thrombosis increases. Therefore, according to the doctor, it is essential to examine the vessels and assess the body's tendency to form blood clots. This is especially important before hormone therapy, in cases of excess weight, a sedentary lifestyle, and the presence of cardiovascular risk factors.
Menopause is no longer considered a period of "loss of femininity." Instead, it is a stage when a woman can rethink self-care and prioritize her health. The main goal of medicine today is not simply to treat the consequences, but to help women navigate this phase healthy, active, and without fear of aging.
