Up to one in five patients dies within 6 months of hip fracture from problems caused by lack of activity, such as blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and pneumonia. The estrogen that women produce before menopause gives them a natural protection from heart attacks. When less estrogen is made at menopause, women lose much of this protection. The risk of heart attack and stroke goes up after menopause. Other changes are related to a decrease in hormones, but are hard to separate from the normal aging process.
Skin becomes wrinkled.
Hair thins and its texture changes. Some pubic hair is lost, and some facial hair may be gained. The breasts lose some of their fullness, and the nipples become less erect. There is less body fat in some places and more in others. Some women go through menopause without any emotional changes.