Asthma Changes with Menopause?

So ladies, isn't being a female FUN?!

It starts out in our teenage years with crazy changes to our bodies (not to mention our emotions!)

Then there are years of having babies - for those of us lucky enough to have babies......

And the ups and downs every month of changing hormone levels.

Then we go in reverse when we age and lose hormones, and then comes menopause!

Did you know that all of those hormonal changes can affect your asthma control?

Yep! In fact, Cleveland Clinic says:

“Women are hospitalized twice as frequently as men for asthma, and their mortality is twice as high,” says pulmonary medicine expert Joe Zein, MD.

Yikes!

Do you feel like your asthma is hard to control? If so, talk to your doctor. Changing hormone levels can be one of many reasons why your asthma is hard to control. 

Menopause can be extra hard on the body because it already comes with a whole host of "fun times!" Hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, weight gain, thinning hair, etc.

Then on top of that, your lungs can be cranky.

Sadly, menopause can last for up to 10 years, so you want to make sure you are having the best qualify of life you can during that time. If your lungs are cranky, talk to your doctor to see if you need to start or change your long term controller inhaler. It's all about getting the right medicine for YOUR body.

Let's enjoy life.

And a little chocolate may help when the hormones are being wacky. Or some days, a LOT of chocolate may be needed!