Postmenopause is the time after a woman has gone 12 full months without getting her menstrual period. The word "post" means after, so postmenopause means after menopause.
Menopause is when a woman stops having periods permanently. It usually happens between ages 45-55 as a normal part of aging. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. This time brings hormone changes that can cause hot flashes, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
After menopause, hormone changes continue during postmenopause. Estrogen levels are lower. The drop in estrogen after menopause causes changes throughout the body. For example, it can affect the:
- Bones - Increased bone loss can raise risk of osteoporosis.
- Heart - Risk of heart disease goes up.
- Body - More belly fat, thinner skin, and loss of breast fullness.
- Vagina - Tissues become drier and less elastic.
- Brain - Memory and focus may temporarily decline.
- Mood - Increased risk of anxiety and depression.
- Sleep - Falling and staying asleep gets harder.
During the
menopausal transition and postmenopause, women may notice various symptoms like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, urinary symptoms, and sexual problems. However,
treatment options can help manage challenging symptoms.
What helps with postmenopause?
Lifestyle changes and medical treatments provide relief. For example:
- Hormone therapy - Estrogen plus progestin therapy can treat hot flashes, bone loss, and vaginal dryness if started before too much time has passed since final period.
- Vaginal estrogen - Local, low-dose estrogen treats vaginal dryness and discomfort.
- Lubricants - Non-hormonal lubricants ease vaginal dryness and pain during sex.
- Lifestyle changes - Guided relaxation, avoiding triggers like stress and alcohol, regular exercise, and dressing in layers helps hot flashes.
- Herbal remedies - Soy, black cohosh, and vitex may help some symptoms. Research is limited though.
- Osteoporosis medication - Drugs like bisphosphonates strengthen bones.
- Healthy lifestyle - Exercise, calcium, vitamin D, and not smoking keeps bones strong.
- Heart-healthy diet and exercise lowers heart disease risk by managing blood pressure and cholesterol.
The duration of postmenopause lasts for the rest of a woman's life after she has gone 12 months with no flow. So it can stretch on for several decades! It takes time for the body to adjust to lower hormone levels. Finding the right lifestyle changes and treatment helps women manage this new life stage.
When should someone see their doctor?
Consult a doctor or women's health nurse practitioner at Vitality Health Center if:
- Menopausal symptoms bother you or your partner.
- Sex is uncomfortable due to vaginal changes.
- Worried you may have depression.
- Have heart disease risk factors.
- Had early menopause before age 40.
- Have severe symptoms despite self-care.