His and Her Health

Those of you going through perimenopause or menopause- do you ever get any slight edema above your ankles? I'm 49 and have been getting this mostly on the left leg for the last few days. The other night (because I had more salt then usual that day) I actually had slight pitting when I pushed on it. I'm healthy otherwise. (except for some of the annoying problems with peri)

Have you had any changes with your leg edema over the past few days? I asked Red Hot Mamas expert Dr. Mache Seibel about the condition. Here is his response:

"Edema is not a problem of menopause per se. But aging brings with it many conditions that can lead to edema. The reasons can be many and range from fluid leaking from the veins in the legs and then standing too long, taking a long airplane or automobile ride, to heart or kidney problems.

Some medications like the high blood pressure medications know as calcium channel blockers or some antidepressants also are associated with leg swelling.

Being overweight can also lead to leg edema. If you have leg edema, you should speak about it with your doctor to be sure the cause isn't one that can have a negative effect on their health."

also limit your salt start to walk around some raise yuor legs onback of the couch while watching TV are what my Dr told me to do with my leg edema and I am on 800 miligrams of salt a day. but when I watch tv at night I lie down on the couch and raise my legs higher than myheart for at least 30 min. Best of luck please check back with us and let us know how things are going heidi

Momof4- do you have any issues that you know about with the veins in your legs? Varicose veins? Spider veins? Anything like that?

I ask you this because as you age, veins can lose elasticity and start to stretch. As a result, valves weaken and they don't close properly allowing blood to flow backward and pool. This causes abnormal circulation and vein problems.

I encourage you to attend a Red Hot Mamas program if you are near one. "Vein Health and Menopause" is one of our topics covered. This may be of interest. Where are you located? To find a program near you, go to: http://www.redhotmamas.org/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=102

Heidi is absolutely right about diet contributing to these problems. Eat high fiber foods (fresh fruits and veggies and whole grains). Constipation can contribute to vein problems. Also, limit your salt intake. Eating too much can cause you to retain water and swell.

Also, are you on hormone therapy?

Prop your legs up as much as possible and see your doctor.