Postmenopause - Hormone Health Center

What is postmenopause?

Postmenopause refers to the time after a woman has gone through menopause, which marks the end of menstruation and fertility. It's an important stage in a woman's life with changes to understand.

After menopause, typically between ages 45-55, women enter the postmenopausal period which lasts for the rest of their lives. During this time, the ovaries stop releasing eggs and producing hormones like estrogen and progesterone that control menstruation and fertility.

Some key things to know about postmenopause:

• Hormone levels like estrogen decline sharply with ovaries no longer active. This leads to symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, trouble sleeping, and mood changes for some women. Bone loss also accelerates.
• The risk of certain medical conditions increases after menopause, including heart disease, osteoporosis, and urinary incontinence. Getting screened and making healthy lifestyle choices are important.
• Postmenopausal bleeding is not normal and should always be evaluated by a doctor to check for problems like endometrial cancer.
• Most women go through menopause naturally. But it can also happen suddenly due to surgery, chemotherapy, or some other medical treatment. This is called premature or early menopause.
• Hormone therapy with estrogen and progestin supplements may help relieve hot flashes and other symptoms. But there are some health risks to consider when weighing treatment options.
• Leading an overall healthy lifestyle with good nutrition, regular exercise, not smoking, and controlling conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can help minimize health risks after menopause.

So in summary, postmenopause describes the stage after a woman has her final menstrual period. It starts a new phase marked by changes like declining estrogen, increased health risks, and potential treatment options. Working closely with one's healthcare provider makes navigating this transition smoother.

With awareness of what to expect and by making proactive choices, women can stay vibrant and thrive through the postmenopausal years ahead! It's a natural transition, not the end of one's journey. Have you gone through this change? What has your experience been like? I welcome any tips from those who have been there!