What is postmenopause?
Postmenopause is the stage of a woman's life that begins one year after her final menstrual period. It signals the end of a woman's reproductive years and marks the permanent end of menstrual cycles.
Some key things to know about postmenopause:
- The transition to postmenopause usually begins in a woman's 40s or 50s, as her ovaries start to produce less estrogen and progesterone. This phase leading up to menopause is called perimenopause.
- During postmenopause, a woman's ovaries stop releasing eggs and producing hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Without these hormones, she can no longer get pregnant naturally.
- Common symptoms of postmenopause include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and irregular periods. However, some women experience few or no symptoms.
- Long-term health risks increase after menopause, like osteoporosis and heart disease. That's because the drop in estrogen accelerates bone loss and cholesterol levels. Staying active and eating a nutritious diet with calcium can help mitigate these risks.
- While menopause is a natural process, some women may choose to take hormone therapy (HT) to relieve severe symptoms. If taken, it should be for the shortest time possible. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons.
- After menopause is complete, women will need to be vigilant about important health screenings like mammograms, bone density scans, and cholesterol tests. Staying up to date can help prevent or catch problems early.
The years after menopause can be a rewarding time to focus on your overall well-being. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and visiting your doctor regularly for checkups can help ensure you stay in good health. If menopausal symptoms like hot flashes are disrupting your life, consider contacting a hormone specialist like those at Balance Hormone Specialist to discuss treatment options. With the right information and support, the postmenopausal years can be positive and fulfilling.