Health in Your 50s

Regardless of the exact cause, because of this increased heart disease risk, it's important that you exercise regularly, limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day, refrain from smoking and maintain a healthy weight to help reduce your risk of these forms of heart disease. If needed, there are prescription medications to lower your blood pressure and help regulate your cholesterol levels.

Changes in brain function. Estrogen decline can contribute to short-term memory loss and problems with word recall. Its effect on the brain also is the source of hot flashes, trouble sleeping and decreased serotonin levels, which can affect your sense of well-being.

Other conditions. Women in their 50s are more likely to develop thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism (low thyroid), which can cause fatigue, weight gain and depression. The risk for diabetes increases as well, and this can contribute to heart disease. Cancer risks increase, particularly of the breast and colon. Bladder infections and continence problems are more common. So, too, are gastrointestinal problems such as diverticulosis, in which small pouches bulge from weak spots in the colon and can cause cramps, bloating and constipation; and hiatal hernia, a painful condition in which the intestine slips through a weak spot of the abdominal wall.

Questions to Ask Your Health Care Professional