Postmenopause - Vitality Hormone Clinic

What is postmenopause?

Postmenopause is the stage of life that begins 12 months after a woman's last menstrual period. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years.

The transition into postmenopause is known as perimenopause. This typically begins in a woman's 40s, but can start earlier or later. Perimenopause is associated with irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. These symptoms are caused by fluctuations and eventual decline in estrogen and progesterone levels.

Once a woman has gone 12 months without a period, she has reached menopause - the point when the ovaries stop releasing eggs. The ovaries also produce much less estrogen and progesterone. This hormonal shift causes symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness to continue or worsen for some women in the early postmenopausal years.

Postmenopause is the time after menopause. Most postmenopause symptoms are caused by estrogen deficiency. Over time, lower estrogen levels can contribute to certain health risks like osteoporosis and heart disease. Managing symptoms and risks is an important part of the postmenopausal period.

Here are some key points about postmenopause:

• It begins 12 months after a woman's final menstrual period. This signals the end of fertility.
• Common symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. These are caused by lower estrogen levels.
• Long-term health risks include osteoporosis and heart disease. Declining estrogen accelerates bone loss and cholesterol changes.
• Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and reducing long-term health risks through lifestyle changes and sometimes hormone therapy or other medications.
• It's important for postmenopausal women to adopt healthy habits like regular exercise, a nutritious diet, adequate calcium and vitamin D, and not smoking.

The transition through perimenopause into postmenopause is a natural process that all women experience if they live long enough. While it does pose some health risks, there are many ways women can take charge of their health and minimize symptoms. Lifestyle choices and medical management can help women continue thriving through midlife and beyond.

If you're struggling with menopause or postmenopause symptoms, the caring professionals at Vitality Hormone Clinic can help. Our individualized hormone therapy programs are designed to get your hormones back in balance and help you feel like yourself again. Contact us today to learn more and take control of your menopausal journey.