01.11.2025
Menopause is a phase of major physical changes – not only in hormone
balance but also in respiratory health. For women with chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it often means a noticeable
worsening of symptoms. COPD symptoms such as shortness of breath,
coughing and reduced stamina can intensify, and measurable health
values like lung function or oxygen saturation may also shift.
This article explains why menopause is a turning point for women with
COPD and how therapy and everyday strategies can be adapted.
Document your symptoms and health values – with the Breathment
app
This way, you can spot changes in your COPD symptoms during
menopause early and take action with your doctor.
Hormonal Changes and the Airways
During menopause, estrogen levels drop, which promotes inflammatory
processes in the airways. Studies show that women in this life stage
are more prone to infections and more often report shortness of
breath. Bronchial sensitivity also increases, making
COPD symptoms more noticeable.
Changes in Measurable Values
In addition to subjective complaints, objective shifts can be
observed:
-
Lung function (FEV1): The age-related decline is often
steeper in women during menopause, with faster decreases in values
such as forced expiratory volume.
-
Oxygen saturation: Some women experience more frequent
phases of lower O₂ saturation, especially at night.
-
Inflammatory markers: Blood values like CRP are more often
elevated during this phase, reflecting stronger airway
inflammation.
-
Peak flow readings: Fluctuations increase – particularly
during hormonal shifts or concurrent pollen exposure.
Systematic documentation of these values is essential for
understanding disease progression.
Everyday Life and Symptom Control
Many women notice that their stamina decreases during menopause.
Activities like climbing stairs or longer walks can cause shortness of
breath. In addition, sleep disturbances and hot flashes reinforce
feelings of exhaustion.
Tips for daily life:
-
Regularly check lung function and oxygen saturation with home
devices.
-
Keep a symptom diary to track changes early.
-
Practice breathing exercises to strengthen respiratory muscles and
improve oxygen uptake.
-
Focus on rest and good sleep hygiene.
Adjusting Therapy
During menopause, COPD therapy may need to be adjusted. Some
medications act differently when hormone levels shift, and side
effects may also change. Doctors therefore recommend regular check-ups
to reassess medication, inhalers or supportive therapies.
Learn more about individualized therapy in
Psychosocial Differences: How Men and Women Deal with COPD.
Conclusion – A New Stage with New Challenges
Menopause is a stage in which both
COPD symptoms and measurable
health values can significantly change. Shortness of breath, more
frequent infections and a faster decline in lung function are among
the biggest challenges.
By actively monitoring symptoms, regularly checking health values and
using digital tools like the Breathment app, women can stay more in
control. This allows them to recognize problems early and work with
their healthcare team on effective solutions.
Learn more about differences between men and women in
COPD in Men: Typical Risk Factors and Progression, and why diagnosis in women is often delayed in
COPD in Women: Late Diagnosis and Underestimated Risks.
