Respiratory Complications

A study published in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine looked at data involving over 1,400 pre-menopausal women over a span of 20 years. Their findings? The onset of menopause is linked to issues with restrictive breathing; a condition which limits the full expansion of lungs thereby limiting air intake. While restrictive breathing isn’t known to be fatal, it is annoying and can lead to prolonged fatigue and cause sleep disruption.

Complications with air intake are likely a side effect of hormonal changes causing inflammation throughout the body, including the lungs. Women experiencing menopause are often affected by osteoporosis, a disease which thins bones. In turn, compressing chest vertebrae decrease air intake. Prevention for restrictive breathing involves keeping up on your cardio and staying away from cigarette smoke, asbestos and any other type of fume which causes inflammation of the lungs.