Sunbathing after menopause may affect health

Estrogens in the blood affect a woman’s health in several ways. It contributes to stronger bones, faster wound healing and has an effect on skin aging. When menopause is reached, estrogen levels decrease and other hormones such as gonatropins (FSH and LH) increase.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can potentially negatively affect hormone levels in postmenopausal women and contribute to several health problems.

Unique menopause study: 580 Western European postmenopausal women

Using satellite data, they were able to find out how much UV radiation the women were exposed to, depending on where they live. Using a survey, they asked the women to indicate how much time they spend in the sun, which body parts are most often exposed and whether they use sunscreen. The hormone concentrations measured and compared to the UV exposure of the previous month.

Conclusion study

Women who were most exposed to sunlight had lower estrogen levels and more gonadotropins compared to those who were less exposed to UV radiation. Low estrogen increases the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

What is the take home message for now

Sunlight is necessary to feel good and to produce the body’s own vitamin D. Make sure your skin doesn’t burn, use sunscreen SPF30 and walk for 30 minutes a day.

While you are here

The last menstrual period is also called menopause. Most women have their last menstrual period between the ages of forty and sixty; the average age is 51 years. In addition to physical complaints such as flushes and sweat attacks, skin changes can also take place. In the West, 75% of women suffer from menopausal symptoms. In Japan, on the other hand, only 10% of them have complaints. Foods such as soy and miso seem to play an important role in reducing menopausal symptoms. More on menopause and skin changes