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 Awareness of the most current, authoritative guidelines is a vital part of looking after your personal health. Many organizations have recently updated their recommendations on breast cancer screening, vitamin D, Pap tests, and more. Below, The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) outlines the latest recommendations for women around the time of menopause.
These two nutrients are needed for strong bones.
- NAMS recommends that postmenopausal women obtain 1,200 mg of calcium a day, in agreement with the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
- We also recommend that women ages 50 to 70 achieve 600 IU/day of vitamin D and women over age 71 get 800 IU/day, as suggested by the Institute of Medicine.
- Of course, women at high risk of osteoporosis should discuss the proper daily dosages with their healthcare providers.
This x-ray procedure diagnoses breast tumors. NAMS recommends annual mammograms beginning at age 40 (in the absence of unusual findings) and before initiating hormone therapy, as does the American Cancer Society. But be sure to consult with your healthcare provider about how often to get a mammogram. And report any breasts changes promptly to your provider.
A Pap test is a key element of a comprehensive pelvic examination for women over age 40. The test detects precancerous and cancerous conditions of the cervix and vagina, and human papillomavirus. NAMS recommends an annual pelvic examination for all peri- and postmenopausal women. Other societies suggest that women around age 65 to 70 who have had three or more negative tests and no abnormal results in the past 10 years can stop cervical cancer screenings.
Bone mineral density should be measured in the following women to assess osteoporosis and fracture risk:
- All women age 65 and over, regardless of clinical risk factors
- Postmenopausal women with medical causes of bone loss regardless of age
- Postmenopausal women age 50 and over with additional risk factors (such as fracture, thinness, smoking, alcohol use, family history)
- Postmenopausal women with a fracture from a fall from standing height
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