Tips for healthy aging for females

Aging is a natural part of life. However, there are certain factors for healthy aging that people who were assigned female at birth should keep in mind, including regular screenings and seeking care for the stages of menopause.

Certain aspects of aging stand out for people who were assigned female at birth compared to those who were assigned male at birth.

These may include the need for regular breast cancer screenings, Pap smears, and the need for care and advice during the stages of menopause, which are perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.

These stages can affect every aspect of an individual’s life. Seeking the proper care and advice can help them cope with these changes.

The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we’ve used. Unless otherwise noted, it’s unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the 2020 census found that 1 in 6 people in the United States was over the age of 65, and the population is expected to increase by 42% by 2050.

According to one article, older women make up the majority of the global population. Despite this, research into aging in women, especially older women, has typically been lacking. For example, it was not until the 1990s that drug company-funded research included women, despite them being more likely to have adverse reactions to the drugs than men.

Certain conditions affect women uniquely, disproportionately, and differently. Some are related to aging, while others become riskier as individuals age.

Regular screenings are an essential part of early diagnosis for conditions like breast cancer and cervical cancer. Early diagnosis can help make these serious conditions easier to treat.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) defines screenings as tests used to find a disease in people who are not experiencing symptoms. Two common screening tests for women are mammograms and Pap smears.

The ACS recommends that regular breast cancer screenings begin around the age of 40 and outlines the following screening guidelines for women with an average risk of breast cancer:

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that women between the ages of 40 and 74 get a mammogram every 2 years.

Individuals should work with their healthcare professional to establish a regular screening schedule tailored to their individual risk.

Cervical cancer screenings help find precancerous cervical cells at a time when it is still possible to administer treatment. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) lists three types of cervical cancer screenings:

Menopause is a natural part of a female’s aging process. It is a transitional time when the body undergoes changes, periods cease, and individuals can no longer become pregnant. The time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause, or menopausal transition.

Not everyone experiences menopause the same way. Some people may experience severe symptoms that significantly affect every aspect of their lives, while others may have mild or no symptoms.

Speaking with a healthcare professional about the transition into menopause, the menopause period itself, and life after menopause can help people better understand it. Healthcare professionals can also offer medical advice and recommend potential treatments to ease some of the symptoms.

On average, perimenopause begins sometime between the ages of 45 and 55, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). However, it is possible to enter this stage earlier.

Perimenopause can last anywhere from 2 to 8 years. On average, it lasts about 4 years.

Menopause is the time when a person’s period stops completely. The Office on Women’s Health (OASH) states that people have reached menopause when they have not had a period, or bleeding of any kind, including spotting, for 12 months.

According to the NIA, individuals may continue to experience symptoms and may experience additional ones as well:

The average age for menopause in the United States is 52 years. However, it more typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 58.

Treatment options for menopause may include hormone therapy, antidepressants, and supplements. Individuals can discuss the best options with their healthcare professional based on their specific circumstances.

After menopause, individuals may notice that many of their symptoms begin to lessen. However, OASH indicates that it is common for people to experience some symptoms, such as hot flashes, for between 9 and 14 years after menopause. Vaginal dryness may also be more common after menopause.

Lower hormone levels that occur following menopause may also increase a person’s risk of certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and stroke. Speak with a healthcare professional for treatment options and ways to lower risks.

Aging can affect women differently from men in various ways, including the stages of menopause.

Getting regular screenings for breast and cervical cancer can help individuals age healthily. They can also speak to a healthcare professional about treating menopause symptoms and lowering their risks for conditions like osteoporosis, heart disease, and stroke.