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 between the ages of 45-55.
Perimenopause refers to the transitional stage leading up to menopause, which can last several years. During perimenopause, estrogen levels begin to fluctuate and decline, causing symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, mood changes, trouble sleeping, and more.
Once a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period, she has reached postmenopause. Postmenopause indicates a woman's ovaries have completely stopped releasing eggs. With the ovaries no longer producing estrogen and progesterone, postmenopausal women may experience changes like:
- Hot flashes continuing or worsening
- Vaginal dryness and atrophy
- Thinning hair and skin
- Loss of breast fullness
- Increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures
- Changes in cholesterol levels and fat redistribution
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Changes in libido
Some women transition through menopause without disruptive symptoms. For others, symptoms can significantly impact quality of life. Lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, exercising, minimizing stress, and avoiding tobacco can help ease the transition. Some women may benefit from
hormone therapy to relieve severe hot flashes and vaginal atrophy.
If you're struggling with difficult menopause or postmenopause symptoms, consider making an appointment with Vital Hormone Clinic. Our caring medical team specializes in customized bioidentical hormone therapy to help women find relief.
While menopause marks the end of fertility, it ushers in a new phase of life. With lifestyle adjustments and adequate support, many women find they can thrive in the postmenopausal stage. It's a time to focus on nurturing mental, emotional, and physical health. Postmenopause allows women to pursue new interests and focus on enhancing well-being. With life expectancy rising, women have many opportunities ahead in their later decades. While the reproductive years come to a close, postmenopause opens the door to fresh possibilities.