A new study shows that women are entering menopause Its risk may increase at a later age asthmaIn contrast, women who experience early menopause (between the ages of 40 and 44) ​​have a lower risk of developing asthma, research led by Durmallouk Kesibi of York University in Toronto shows. Is. These findings challenge prior research showing that early menopause can increase a woman’s susceptibility to various health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and depression. Instead, the current study highlights a possible connection between female hormones and asthma risk.

Asthma, a respiratory condition that often affects children and adults differently, appears to be affected by hormonal changes in women. For example, boys are more likely to develop childhood asthma than girls; However, adult-onset asthma is more commonly seen in women than men. Additionally, women with asthma experience more severe symptoms, with fewer cases improving than men. Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director of The Menopause Society, emphasized gender-related discrepancies in the prevalence of asthma, and said that women entering menopause later in life are at greater asthma risk than women with earlier onset of menopause. Have to face.

The role of estrogen in asthma was also examined in a study conducted over a decade with data from more than 14,000 postmenopausal women. Researchers observed that both natural and synthetic estrogens may increase the risk of asthma. Additionally, women using hormone therapy were found to be 63% more likely to develop asthma. However, discontinuing hormone therapy proved to be beneficial, as women who discontinued hormone therapy were twice as likely to discontinue asthma treatment.

Obesity has also emerged as a contributing factor to the risk of asthma in postmenopausal women, as higher body mass index (BMI) can lead to greater estrogen production due to excess fat. This increase in estrogen may further increase the risk of asthma in women with higher BMI levels.

Given these findings, women approaching menopause or undergoing hormone therapy should be aware of the potentially increased risk of asthma. Regular monitoring and preventive measures can help reduce this risk and improve respiratory health.

Precautionary Measures for Asthma Management in Postmenopausal Women

Consult health care providers regularly: Women with late menopause should seek regular consultation to assess asthma symptoms and receive early intervention if necessary.

Consider alternatives to hormone therapy: If hormone therapy is deemed necessary, discuss alternative treatments with your healthcare provider to manage menopause symptoms without increasing your risk of asthma.

Control weight: Maintaining a healthy BMI through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce the risk of asthma by preventing excess estrogen production from body fat.

Avoid triggers: Common asthma triggers include allergies, smoke, and strong odors. Avoiding these can help reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Practice breathing exercises: Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing and lip breathing can improve lung function and help manage symptoms.

Monitor indoor air quality: Use an air purifier and maintain good ventilation to reduce potential indoor allergens, such as dust and mold, which can trigger asthma.

Stay hydrated: Proper hydration helps keep airways clear and reduce mucus buildup, thereby reducing respiratory strain.

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