Navigating Metabolic Shifts: Why Postmenopausal Women Need​ Proactive Health Management

The period following menopause marks a meaningful shift in a woman’s health landscape, notably increasing the risk of developing conditions like diabetes ⁣and related metabolic issues. This is largely due⁣ to the decline in protective hormones, particularly estrogen, which impacts fat distribution⁢ and increases susceptibility to fatty liver disease.Despite this heightened risk, ⁢data from Germany indicates postmenopausal women are frequently ​enough⁢ undertreated according‌ to established ⁤guidelines ‌for managing cholesterol and blood ⁣pressure – key factors in⁢ preventing heart attack ⁢and stroke.

As estrogen levels fall, the body’s fat ​distribution changes, contributing to a noticeable rise in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Before menopause, women‍ experience MASLD​ at roughly​ half the rate of men, but this disparity diminishes⁤ significantly after menopause. ⁤Progressive liver fibrosis is increasingly observed, especially in women also experiencing insulin resistance or ‌diabetes, ⁣according⁢ to experts like Professor Dr. med. Johannes szendrödi, President of the German Diabetes Society (DDG).

Recognizing this interconnectedness, ‌specialist societies recommend ‌regular health screenings for ⁣postmenopausal women. These should begin with blood tests and simple scoring systems, progressing to ultrasound or ‌elastography​ if⁢ abnormalities are detected. “The heart and liver age together with the metabolism. The ⁢menopause is the moment when prevention has to start again,” emphasizes Professor​ Szendrödi.

While hormone replacement therapy can offer metabolic benefits, it ‌isn’t a global solution. It’s most appropriate for ⁢women experiencing severe menopausal symptoms and with a low risk of‌ vascular issues, requiring a thorough individual risk assessment.⁢ However,​ Professor Szendrödi ⁤stresses that “exercise is more important than hormone replacement preparations.” Muscle training, performed‌ 2-3 times weekly alongside endurance ⁣activities, demonstrably increases insulin sensitivity, ‌lowers blood sugar, and provides lasting ⁤protection for the heart and blood vessels – all without the potential side effects of ‍medication.

Here are key steps women can take to ‌proactively manage their health after menopause:

* Regular Health Checks: Monitor blood sugar, blood lipids, blood pressure,⁣ and liver values.
* Prioritize Exercise: ⁤incorporate targeted muscle ​training 2-3 times a week, complemented by ‌endurance activities.
*‌ Nutritious Diet: Focus on a diet rich in vegetables, fiber, and healthy vegetable fats, while limiting sugar and processed foods.
* Restful Sleep‌ & Stress Management: Prioritize adequate sleep and effective ⁢stress reduction ⁣techniques‍ to support​ metabolic health.
* Individualized Medical Consultation: Discuss the potential benefits and‌ risks ⁣of hormone therapy with ​a healthcare professional.

“Knowledge is​ the first step ⁢towards prevention,” concludes Professor Szendrödi. “If you understand ⁢how the body changes, you can take targeted countermeasures and use the menopause as an possibility. ‍It is⁢ a turning⁤ point ⁢- ⁢and the beginning⁣ of a new phase of strength.”

The DDG recently presented current scientific findings on ⁣menopause and diabetes, alongside ⁢other aspects of women’s health and their connection to diabetes, at a press ‍conference. the 2025 Diabetes Autumn Conference, ⁣led‍ by ⁢Professor Dr.med. Karsten Müssig,conference ‍president and chief physician ‍at the Clinic for Internal Medicine,Gastroenterology⁣ and Diabetology at the Franziskus Hospital Harderberg of the Niels Stensen Clinics,specifically focused on critical life⁣ phases – including puberty,pregnancy,and⁣ menopause – ⁢and the interplay between hormones and diabetes.

(Source: diabetes risk image provided by Monika Gause for www.diabsite.de)

(Last edited: 12.11.2025)