Postmenopause refers to the stage that begins one year after a woman's last menstrual period. It signals the end of a woman's reproductive years marked by the permanent loss of ovarian function.
The transition into postmenopause is preceded by perimenopause, where menstrual cycles become irregular as ovarian function declines. This stage can last for several years. Once a woman has gone 12 full months without a period, she has reached postmenopause.
The drop in estrogen and progesterone production that occurs in postmenopause brings many changes:
While symptoms may vary between women, managing postmenopause is important. Lifestyle measures like regular exercise, calcium and vitamin D intake can help. Some women may need treatment for severe symptoms. Hormone therapy is effective for hot flashes, while medications like bisphosphonates treat osteoporosis. Vaginal estrogen improves genitourinary symptoms.
The team at Vitality Hormone Clinic provides individualized care to help women transition into postmenopause smoothly. From customized hormone therapy to nutritional advice, our compassionate doctors design treatment plans to address each woman's specific needs during this change. Woman looking for experienced and understanding care can book an appointment for an evaluation.
While many only focus on the disruptive short-term symptoms of postmenopause, women do need to stay vigilant about their health in the long run as well.
Cardiovascular disease risk increases after menopause. Making heart-healthy lifestyle choices is vital. Postmenopausal women also need regular cancer screening as their risk for cancers like breast, ovarian and colorectal cancer climbs. Paying attention to subtle signs and symptoms and reporting them promptly to the doctor makes early detection much more likely.
In summary, postmenopause ushers in many changes for women, physically and emotionally. But this natural transition does not have to hamper health or quality of life if properly managed. Engaging in open discussions with doctors about options for navigating postmenopause can help women come up with comprehensive plans for staying healthy in their later years.