Menopause is an inevitable occurrence in every woman’s life. Therefore, women runners are also not spared from this necessary evil. While most of menopausal women experience somewhat similar symptoms, those involved in running also notice the additional symptom of decreased pace of running and increase in general aches and pains. Their fitness also seems to suffer a setback owing to difficulty in maintaining weight.

Moreover, the temperamental changes stimulated by menopause mar their motivation towards the activity. However, researchers recommend not being bogged down by these mood swings and suggest women runners to continue running as this activity is believed to create a positive impact on one’s psyche.

A study involving 600 women, all around the age of 50 years highlights the correlation between running and emotional symptoms of menopause. All the subjects were either in the perimenopausal or postmenopausal phase. Approximately 31 percent of these 600 subjects acknowledged the positive impact of running on their emotional well being.

Another risk associated with menopause is the occurrence of osteoporosis. As per an article published in the journal ‘Runner’s World’, there is a 90 percent decline in the levels of estrogen in women during menopause, which results in loss of bone mass to the proportion of 2 to 5 percent annually for 5 consecutive years after menopause. This drastic loss of bone mass makes the body susceptible to osteoporosis, which cannot be improvised by running. Even then, exercise scientist Steven Hawkins, PhD recommends menopausal women to undergo strength training as osteoporosis is a consequence of not only weak bones not weak muscles as well. Therefore, regular training can enhance your muscle strength that can in turn prevent falls and fractures.

In fact, the significance of physical activity in terms of bone density loss can be estimated from the fact that a study published in the Journal of American Health highlights that women runners have 5 percent higher bone density in comparison to women who lead sedentary lifestyles. Another study published in the same journal also reveals that inactive women above the age of 50 years are 85 percent more susceptible to bone fractures than those who are involved in physical exercises. Such kind of studies certainly establish that exercising in any form such as walking or running definitely aids in improving the energy levels in menopausal women and makes them less prone to mood swings and depression.

In fact, certain studies also highlight improved cognitive ability in post-menopausal women involved in exercising for a minimum of 70 minutes on a weekly basis.

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