Women, menopause and work: the importance of a healthy lifestyle

Introduction
In Italy the employment of women has undergone a significant increase in recent years, women's retirement age of civil servants has been raised from 60 years to 65 years thus increasing their time at work and an increasing number of them spend about a third of their lives in conditions of post-menopausal.

Methods
The women enter menopause between 45 and 55 years age, during which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke, hypertension), type II diabetes and osteoporosis. They have, also, more fractures after tumbles and an increase of dislocations and contusions to upper and lower limbs at work. Although cognitive and mnestic abilities deteriorate and often manifest depression, irritability and insomnia. The first cause of death among women in menopause are the diseases of the cardiovascular system and the major risk factors associated with premature death (before age 65) are tobacco smoking, excessive alcohol intake, an unbalanced diet and lack of physical activity.

Results
The presence of working women in menopause may lead to increased sickness absence with repercussions on the work and productivity. Abatement of tobacco smoke, an healthy diet and a regular physical exercise can contribute to mitigate climacteric disorders and to prevent or to cure of their associated pathologies.

Discussion
To a large extent the deaths from heart disease and cancer would be preventable through primary prevention (healthy lifestyles) and/or secondary (early diagnosis). Health promotion programs carried out in the workplace, aimed at women of all ages, helping to raise awareness about specific issues related to menopause, and it’s possible to develop a counseling by Occupational Physicians and other specialists (cardiologists, physiatrists, nutritionists, psychologists, ..) as preventive measures.