Menopause and Lung Health: How Hormonal Shifts Accelerate Lung Function DeclineMenopause and Lung Health: How Hormonal Shifts Accelerate Lung Function Decline
Menopause

Menopause and Lung Health: How Hormonal Shifts Accelerate Lung Function Decline

The interplay between estrogen and breathing needs more study, but lung function typically declines in postmenopausal women. 
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By Amy Denney
Updated:
This is part 4 in “Navigating Hormonal Shifts in Menopause”

Not every woman can or should use hormone replacement therapy for menopause, and even those who do may not find relief from all symptoms. This series explores simple, non-medical strategies to support the body’s hormonal transition.

It’s common for women transitioning into menopause to get winded more easily or start suffering from sleep apnea. This is because during menopause, the body decreases the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which are closely linked to lung function and breathing.

Both breathing conditions can also increase anxiety (which may cause additional hormone imbalances) and exacerbate or cause vasomotor symptoms, such as  heart palpitations and hot flashes. However, these experiences don’t have to be a normal part of menopause.