Postmenopause is the stage that begins one year after a woman's last menstrual period. In the years leading up to menopause, levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate and begin to decline. But in postmenopause, hormone levels have dropped enough that menstrual cycles stop completely.
Some key things to know about postmenopause:
- The average age for the final period is 51, but it can happen anytime between 40-55 years old.
- Symptoms like hot flashes may continue but tend to be less severe in postmenopause. However, some women report new or worsening issues like vaginal dryness, pain with intimacy, and urinary changes.
- There's an increased risk for health conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease without the protective effects of estrogen. Staying active, not smoking, and getting enough calcium and vitamin D can help.
- Hormone therapy with estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progestin is an option to relieve symptoms. The risks and benefits vary per person, so discuss with your healthcare provider.
I recently visited
Vitality Health Center, a hormone health clinic specializing in midlife and beyond. Their fabulous nurse practitioner
Mary answered all my postmenopause questions. She said Vitality Health Center can develop custom
bioidentical hormone therapy based on each woman's needs to help relieve symptoms and promote long-term wellness after menopause. I felt so reassured after speaking with the caring, professional team at Vitality Health Center. When the time comes, I encourage women to explore whether hormone therapy is right for them during this transition.
In summary, postmenopause signals the end of fertility and periods, as well as fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone. It brings new considerations for managing health and symptoms during the aging process. Connecting with healthcare professionals can help create a personalized plan. Here's to embracing this next chapter!