Women's Health Through the Years: Bones, Hair, Libido & Changing Needs

Women’s bodies go through a lot of changes over the years.

Some are easy to see. Others may show up in ways we weren’t expecting - our hair starts thinning, our bones need more attention, or our interest in intimacy isn’t quite what it used to be.

These changes can be frustrating, but they can also be reminders that our bodies have different needs during different seasons of life.

In our last blog, we talked about mood, weight, thyroid health, and fatigue. This time let’s look at three more common women’s health concerns and why good nutrition becomes especially important as we get older.

1. Protecting Your Bones as You Age

We may not think much about our bones when we’re younger. But bone health becomes increasingly important for women as we age.

Osteoporosis weakens bones and makes them more susceptible to fractures. Women are at greater risk than men, and that risk increases after menopause as estrogen levels decline.

Estrogen plays an important role in maintaining bone density, so the hormonal changes that come with menopause can speed up bone loss.

That makes supporting our bones something we shouldn’t wait to think about until there’s a problem.

Nutrition is one piece of that support. Vitamin D, vitamin K2 and magnesium are among the important nutrients that can help support women's health. 

Vitamin D and K2 work together to support healthy calcium metabolism, while magnesium is involved in hundreds of processes throughout the body.

Regular movement is important, too. Weight-bearing and resistance exercises can help support strong bones and muscles as we age.

The goal isn’t to make drastic changes overnight. It’s to start thinking about the things we can do today to help keep our bones strong for the years ahead.

2. What Is Your Hair Trying to Tell You?

Finding more hair than usual in your brush, or noticing your hair isn’t as thick as it once was, can be concerning.

Hair thinning is a common complaint among women, and it doesn’t always have one simple explanation.

Hormonal changes can play a role, particularly as women get older. But there are also other possible factors, including chronic stress and certain illnesses.

However, another important factor is that healthy hair needs nourishment from the inside out.

For example, protein gives our bodies the amino acids they need to grow and maintain healthy tissues, while nutrients such as iron, zinc and B vitamins also play important roles in supporting our efforts to keep our hair from thinning. 

Rather than looking at hair thinning as only a cosmetic issue, it may be worth considering whether your body is getting the nutritional support it needs.

3. When Your Libido Isn't What It Used to Be

This isn't always an easy subject for women to talk about, but low libido is a common women's health concern.

And it isn't necessarily about losing interest in your spouse or something being wrong with your relationship.

Physical and emotional factors can be involved. Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can affect sexual desire, and other factors can contribute as well.

That’s why it’s important not to look at libido in isolation. What else is going on?

Are you exhausted? Are you dealing with a lot of stress? Are hormonal changes affecting how you feel physically? Sometimes several things may be happening at once.

Changes in libido can be difficult to talk about, but they’re an important part of women’s health. If it's something that's concerning you, come in and chat with one of our knowledgeable staff. Share with them about what you're experiencing and whether there may be an underlying reason for the change. They can direct you on which lifestyle changes and nutrients might help 

Supporting Your Health in Every Season

Women’s health changes throughout our lives, and what our bodies need at age 25 may not be exactly what they need at ages 45, 55, or 65.

Paying attention to those changing needs can help us make more intentional choices about our health.

Whether you’re thinking about protecting your bones, wondering why your hair is thinning, noticing changes in your libido, or simply wanting to make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need, remember that these things are all part of the bigger picture of women’s health.

You don’t have to address everything at once.

Start with what matters most to you right now, and take one step toward giving your body the support it needs for the season you’re in.