Menopause marks the end of the childbearing age and a different phase in women gynecological surveillance begins. It is still essential to maintain regular follow-up in a gynecological consultation. Gynecological cancer diseases are more frequent in this age group. Cancer is the leading cause of death in women after menopause and up to the age of 65, after which it is overtaken by cardiovascular diseases. The most effective attitude to avoid disease is its prevention. In addition, the early diagnosis of breast cancer and gynecological diseases is related to a higher probability of cure and lower mortality. After menopause, women may choose to take hormonal compensation therapy, which requires regular medical surveillance to ensure the treatment success. Thus, in menopause there are important reasons to maintain regular visits to the gynecologist, that is once or twice a year. What includes gynecological medical surveillance In addition to gynecological and breast observation , in the gynecology consultation after menopause, cytology for the detection of cervical cancer continues to be performed. Surveillance for breast cancer screening is tighter at this stage, with more frequent imaging tests up to 65 years of age, especially mammography and breast ultrasound. Pelvic ultrasound scans, the frequency of which is decided for each woman, allows for the screening of other gynecological tumors, namely those of the uterus and ovaries. Other general examinations usually prescribed are routine laboratory tests and bone density assessment by bone densitometry. These consider risk factors present for other diseases related to this stage, such as osteoporosis. Of course, personal and family history and the presence of problems that interfere with health help to define priorities and adapt the necessary gynecological monitoring for each woman. Self-observation of gynecological health After menopause, it is still equally important that women remain attentive to any signs or symptoms that suggest they need to seek medical care: In addition to regular breast self-examination by palpation, which can identify breast lumps, women should be aware of changes in the shape of the breast, skin or nipple retractions or nipple discharge; In the event of any abnormal vaginal blood loss, genital nodules, pain or swelling of the abdomen, genital infections that are difficult to treat or repeated, medical attention should also be sought. There are still two quite common problems after menopause that negatively affect quality of life and self-esteem at this stage: Urinary incontinence; Urogenital prolapses. At the origin of these problems is the weakening of the support structures of the pelvic organs, with their consequent descent through the vagina. Among the organs involved in the prolapse may be the urethra, the bladder, the uterus and / or the intestine. It is very important that when symptoms of urinary incontinence or urogenital prolapse are sought early medical care. Advances in therapeutic options and minimally invasive surgery currently allow treating these problems with a very high success rate. Author : Susana Coutinho Meet the gynecology-obstetrics team of the Hospital da Luz chain and book your consultations and exams. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
