Whereas the acute and intermediate symptoms are not major causes of mortality, there can be no doubt that the two major long-term consequences of menopause, viz. osteoporosis and arterial disease, account for several deaths. These sequelae do not usually arise until many years after menopause has set in and are clinically silent in the intervening period.

WHAT ARE THE LONG TERM CONSEQUENCES OF OESTROGEN DEFICIENCY?

The long-term problems caused by ovarian failure are osteoporosis and arterial disease.

ARE WOMEN WITH ACUTE SYMPTOMS AT GREATER RISK OF THESE PROBLEMS?

No. There is no evidence of a correlation between the presence or severity of symptoms and the degree of osteoporosis or arterial disease. All postmenopausal women should be regarded as being potentially at risk from the long-term consequences of ovarian failure.

We, at JUSTEVES, believe that it is important that all women should be made aware of these long-term consequences and that any attempt at screening through Well Woman Clinics should include a full discussion of this subject.

Women undergoing premature menopause, whether natural or surgically induced, are more at risk from osteoporosis and arterial disease and therefore constitute a high-risk group. Every effort should be made to offer this group appropriate advice.