What is postmenopause?
Postmenopause is a term used to describe the time after a woman has gone through menopause, which marks the end of her menstrual cycles. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, as a woman's ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Once a woman has gone 12 months without a period, she is considered to have reached menopause and entered the postmenopausal stage. This signals the end of her reproductive years.
Some key things to know about postmenopause:
- The average age for menopause is 51, but it can occur earlier or later for some women. Factors like genetics, smoking, and medical conditions can influence when menopause begins.
- During postmenopause, estrogen levels are very low. This leads to symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, trouble sleeping, and mood changes. Bone loss also accelerates due to the lack of estrogen.
- The risk of certain medical conditions increases, including heart disease, osteoporosis, and urinary incontinence. Regular screenings and focus on healthy lifestyle habits are important.
- Postmenopause lasts for the rest of a woman's life. The symptoms and health risks associated with hormone changes often lessen or stabilize after the first few years. But postmenopause itself continues indefinitely.
- Hormone therapy can help relieve symptoms, especially in the first few years. This involves taking low doses of estrogen and progestin to replace what the body is no longer making. But hormone therapy is not right for all women.
- Staying active, eating a nutritious diet, and managing stress can all help ease this transition and keep you feeling your best. Check in with your doctor and consider seeing a specialist like those at _Hormone Harmony_ for personalized care.
The years after menopause bring new challenges for women's health. Knowing what to expect and focusing on prevention and well-being can ensure you thrive in postmenopause. _Have more questions? Hormone Harmony_ experts are here to help guide you through this next stage of life.