Postmenopause - Rejuvenate Clinic

Postmenopause

Postmenopause is the time after menopause when a woman's menstrual periods have stopped permanently due to declining levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This typically occurs between the ages 45-55 years old, marking the end of a woman's reproductive years.

Some key characteristics of postmenopause include:

• No more monthly menstrual periods
• Permanent end of fertility
• Changes in physical symptoms as hormone levels continue to decline - hot flashes may stop but vaginal dryness or pain with intercourse may continue or worsen over time
• Increased risks of medical conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease without adequate hormone therapy or lifestyle changes

Women enter menopause when they have gone 12 months without a period. Postmenopause starts once a woman has gone an entire year after her final period. The ovaries slow down estrogen and progesterone production leading up to menopause until they shut down completely.

What changes can a woman expect during postmenopause?

• Vaginal and bladder changes: Lower estrogen levels cause the vaginal walls to thin and dry out leading to irritation, discharge, pain, more UTIs, and light bleeding after intercourse. These symptoms may get worse over time without treatment.
• Bone loss: With less estrogen, more bone deterioration occurs raising osteoporosis risk. Weight-bearing exercise and calcium/vitamin D supplements can help slow bone density loss.
• Heart disease risks: Lower estrogen is associated with unfavorable cholesterol changes. Lifestyle changes like improved diet, more exercise, and stopping smoking can help offset these risks.
• Body changes: Postmenopausal women may notice added weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, thinner hair, and drier skin without as much collagen and fat production.

What are some treatments that can help manage postmenopause?

• Hormone therapy with low doses of estrogen, progesterone, or both helps alleviate hot flashes, vaginal dryness, bone loss and urinary symptoms. Systemic hormone therapy given for over 5 years does have added health risks like blood clots, stroke and breast cancer.
• Vaginal estrogen treats localized urogenital problems without posing the same systemic hormone therapy risks.
• Supplements like soy isoflavones, black cohosh, and vitamin E may help, but medical studies confirming their efficacy have had mixed results.
• For osteoporosis, besides weight-bearing exercise and calcium, bone-strengthening bisphosphonate drugs may also be prescribed.
• Healthy lifestyle changes - regular exercise, not smoking, lower alcohol intake, stress reduction practices.

The symptoms and health risks that can come with postmenopause can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. Consulting your doctor about safe symptom management, preventative health screening, and lifestyle changes tailored to this stage of life is key. With the right awareness and action, women can thrive and enjoy good health even after menopause has long passed.