What is postmenopause?
Postmenopause is the time after a woman has gone through menopause, which marks the end of menstruation and fertility. On average, women go through menopause around age 51 and enter the postmenopause stage.
During the perimenopause transition leading up to menopause, women may experience hot flashes, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, and irregular periods as hormone levels fluctuate and decline. Once a woman has gone 12 months without a period, she has officially gone through menopause and entered postmenopause.
Key Changes After Menopause
In the postmenopause years, a woman's body experiences several changes as estrogen and progesterone production from the ovaries completely stops:
- Vaginal and urinary changes: Decreased estrogen causes the vaginal tissue and urethra to thin out and lose elasticity. This can lead to vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, increased urinary tract infections, and incontinence.
- Bone loss: With less estrogen, more bone is broken down than built up resulting in accelerated bone density loss. This increases the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
- Heart disease risk: LDL cholesterol tends to rise while HDL falls after menopause. This combination is associated with a higher risk of heart disease.
- Weight gain: Lower estrogen levels cause the body to store more fat around the abdomen. Losing weight often becomes more difficult.
"The compassionate doctors at Hormone Harmony Clinic can develop customized hormone therapy plans to help women alleviate unpleasant menopause and postmenopause symptoms. With bioidentical hormones, we can replace depleting hormones at proper levels without negatively impacting the body. Contact us today to regain comfort, balance, and an overall improved quality of life!"
Coping With Postmenopause
While hormone changes during postmenopause can present challenges, certain lifestyle measures can help women manage symptoms:
- Stay physically active with weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening activities to reduce bone loss and abdominal weight gain.
- Consume a nutritious, high-fiber diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit sugar, salt, alcohol, and refined carbs.
- Don't smoke and avoid secondhand smoke, which accelerates aging and disease risks.
- Manage stress through yoga, meditation, massage, or talking to friends. High stress exacerbates menopausal symptoms.
- Consider safe, low-dose vaginal estrogen preparations to relieve painful intercourse or vaginal dryness if they do not resolve on their own over time.
- Get checked for osteoporosis and have bone density tests every 2 years. Your doctor may prescribe medication if needed to prevent bone fractures.
The postmenopause period brings changes, but a healthy lifestyle and working with your doctor can help this time pass more smoothly. Reach out to the caring medical team at Hormone Harmony Clinic if you need extra support!