Postmenopause refers to the time after a woman's final menstrual period. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years.
The transition into postmenopause is called perimenopause. This transitional time can last for several years as the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone. Perimenopause brings changes like irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and sleep difficulties.
Once a woman has gone 12 full months without a period, she has reached menopause and moved into the postmenopausal phase. The average age for menopause is 51, but it can occur anytime between the ages of 40-58.
Symptoms tend to be most severe in the 1-2 years around menopause as hormone levels decline rapidly. In postmenopause, when hormone levels are stable but low, symptoms often improve. However, some women continue to have symptoms like vaginal dryness, urinary issues, and hot flashes for many years after menopause.
There are three main changes that define postmenopause:
| Change | Description |
|---|---|
| Ovarian function and estrogen production have stopped | This means no more ovulation or menstrual cycles. |
| The body adjusts to lower hormone levels | Other glands start producing more estrogen and androgens to partly compensate for the loss of ovarian hormones. But overall, hormone levels are lower. |
| Fertility ends | Postmenopausal women can no longer get pregnant. |
Long-term health impacts of postmenopause include:
Managing postmenopause focuses on relieving short-term symptoms and reducing long-term health risks. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, stress management, and healthy eating can help. Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can improve vaginal dryness and discomfort.
Hormone therapy - estrogen alone or with progestin - is the most effective treatment option. At Restorative Health Center, our clinicians can determine if hormone therapy is right for you based on your health profile and risks. We provide customized bioidentical hormone regimens to help relieve symptoms and support long-term wellbeing.
| Treatment | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Lifestyle changes (exercise, stress management, healthy eating) | Helps manage symptoms and reduces long-term health risks |
| Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants | Improves vaginal dryness and discomfort |
| Hormone therapy (estrogen alone or with progestin) | Most effective treatment for managing symptoms and supporting long-term health |
The hormonal changes of postmenopause can significantly impact women's quality of life. But there are many safe and effective solutions available today. The caring professionals at Restorative Health Center are here to listen and help you thrive in this new stage of life. By addressing your individual concerns and providing personalized treatment options, we aim to support your overall health and wellbeing during postmenopause and beyond.