Menopausal issues after spinal cord injury

Abstract

Women with spinal cord injury (SCI) who are aging encounter menopause with disability-related issues. The SCI itself may predispose individuals to osteoporosis, genitourinary changes, and cardiovascular alterations. Menopause may exacerbate these problems by the effects of estrogen withdrawal. Treatment options for able-bodied women have been well studied and may be important preventive health measures for women with SCI. Experience is lacking, however, on the therapeutic benefits and side effects of these interventions.