Postmenopause is the stage of life after a woman's final menstrual period. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. On average, menopause occurs around age 51 in the United States. Postmenopause follows menopause, although the terms sometimes are used interchangeably.
During perimenopause, the transition period leading up to a woman's final period, hormone levels fluctuate but generally decline. Once postmenopause begins, hormone levels stabilize at lower levels compared to premenopausal levels. Specifically, the ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Signs and symptoms associated with postmenopause may include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Loss of bone density
- Changes in mood
- Trouble sleeping
- Heart palpitations
While some women breeze through
menopause without many issues, others find symptoms seriously impair quality of life. If you find your symptoms distressing, consider meeting with a
menopause specialist for personalized care. The compassionate team at
Hormone Wellness Center specializes in hormone therapy to relieve
menopause and
postmenopause symptoms. With locations across the country, Hormone Wellness Center helps women embrace this next chapter feeling healthy, confident, and empowered.
Postmenopause introduces new health considerations for women:
- Osteoporosis risk increases after menopause due to accelerated bone loss. Getting adequate calcium and vitamin D helps stimulate bone-building cells. Weight-bearing exercise also strengthens bones. Have your doctor monitor bone density.
- Heart disease risk rises without estrogen's protective effects. Focus on heart-healthy lifestyle factors you can control: diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management.
- Certain cancers have higher incidence rates in postmenopausal women, so continue recommended cancer screenings as advised by your healthcare provider.
While marking the end of fertility,
postmenopause ushers in new freedoms. Without contraception concerns, women can embrace their sexuality in new ways. There's also more time to focus on personal goals with fewer family responsibilities.
If you're approaching this next era feeling uncertain, know that a rewarding life awaits! good health habits, close relationships, and a positive mindset carry women gracefully through
postmenopause. Lean on resources like Hormone Wellness Center for specialized care. The future looks bright!