Writing in the Detroit News, director of cardiology at the Henry Ford Institute in Detroit Michigan, Dr Steven Ketevian, says that regular exercise causes some symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes, altered mood and sleep disturbances to be less severe.

"Exercise has a profound impact on a women’s health and mood during and after menopause. Unlike smoking, which speeds up the onset of menopause, some studies suggest exercise causes some symptoms to be less severe and improves mood during a time when anxiety and depression are not uncommon," writes Dr Ketevian.

"The hormonal changes that accompany menopause greatly increase a women’s future risk for two big health problems: heart disease and osteoporosis.

"A recent study involving more than 73,000 post-menopausal women showed that 30-60 minutes of moderate or brisk-paced walking reduced risk for future heart events by 20 per cent and 35 per cent respectively, when compared to inactive women.

Studies also show weight bearing exercises and/or weightlifting done earlier in life, between adolescence and just before menopause begins, improve bone density."

Dr Ketevian also stresses that the standard guideline of engaging in moderate to vigorous bone-loading activities such as walking, jogging, skating or dance, three to five times per week, is sufficient to ensure proper bone health and cardiovascular disease prevention. In addition, he adds that women looking for an alternative or additional bone strengthening activity could consider weight training: "Several studies show weight gain after menopause is less in women that regularly exercise." Details: www.detroit-news-daily.com