Turning 40 is no picnic.
There is a certain gravitas to telling someone you’re 40.
If you’re lucky, the person will react with disbelief, and talk about how young you look.
Don’t worry you’re not necessarily headed toward a mid-life crisis.
You could be edging toward the very best years of your life.
These are changes that happen around age 40.
That’s not going to be the case once you turn 40.
She says it’s partly because of a decrease in metabolism.
It goes hand and hand with muscle loss.
By exercising, eating plenty of organic protein and taking supplements, you could ward off the weight gain.
And, these changes can go on for a decade before “The Change” occurs.
It’s called perimenopause, and it’s the body’s way of transitioning into menopause.
Estrogen and progesterone, thereproductive hormonesthat regulate your cycle, start to fluctuate.
The first thing that will probably happen is irregular periods.
You might have more cramps and bleeding than usual, or you might skip a period or two.
And, don’t forget about the emotional impact of perimenopause.
It doesn’t sound great, but it’s a fact of life.
When you’re in your 30s, your chances for a breast diagnosis are one in 228.
At 40-49, however, your chances are 1 in 69.
There are things you’re free to do, as well, to reduce your risk.
Studies show women who consume two or more alcoholic drinks per day have a 50 percent higher risk.
Family history is a factor, of course, as is diet.
And, an exercise regimen increases overall health.
Your bone density might decrease
Your bone density stays pretty consistent until you turn 35 or so.
Every year after that, you lose about one percent ofbone densityevery year.
By the time you’re 40, you might start to notice.
They don’t criticize themselves as harshly, and they are more decisive.
There’s something to say for a woman who knows what she wants and knows how to get it.
PsychologistDavid Bussthinks it’s an evolutionary thing.
You might become lactose-intolerant
Dairy.
Some people have problems with it since birth.
Others develop lactose intolerance later in life.
Your body makes an enzyme called lactase, and it helps your small intestine digest lactose.
You might experience changes in your vision
Around age 40, your vision might start to change.
Some will need more light for reading, as well.
Others experience glare when driving at night, or in bright sunlight.
Colors may look different.
Dry eyes might become a problem.
Exams should include evaluation of the optic nerve and pupils.
They’re the only ones you have.
Your sense of smell and taste may change
This might be the biggest bummer of all.
You have approximately 9,000 taste buds when you’re born.
Ithappens to women earlier than men, by 10-20 years.
Yoursense of smell also takes a hitwhen you age.
What causes the deterioration of the ear parts?
