Menopause, defined as the complete cessation of menstrual periods, marks the end of the female reproductive life. With ageing of the population, it is estimated that 1.2 billion women around the world will be menopausal by the year 2030. Menopausal transition could be an opportunity to encourage dietary changes. Diet of premenopausal women differs to that of postmenopausal women, reflecting improved adherence to dietary guidelines in the latter. However, a healthy diet during the premenopausal years is also recommended, as diet may potentially influence the timing of menopause as well as the presence of menopausal symptoms, in particular, vasomotor symptoms (VMS). For instance, women with an earlier menopause are at a higher risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases while women with a later onset of menopause are at higher risk of breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers. VMS have also been linked to an increased risk of several chronic diseases.
What will I learn?
- Examine and understand the relationships between diet and female reproductive health
- Analyse the age of natural menopause and menopausal symptoms
- Understand the associated health risks of menopause
