Postmenopause is the stage that begins one year after a woman's last menstrual period. At this point, menopause is considered complete and the postmenopausal phase begins.
Some key things to know about postmenopause include:
Symptoms - Many of the symptoms experienced during perimenopause may continue or worsen during postmenopause. These can include: - Hot flashes and night sweats - Vaginal dryness - Changes in mood - Difficulty sleeping - Weight gain
Health Risks - With the drop in estrogen levels, some health risks increase in the postmenopausal years. These include risks of: - Osteoporosis: Bones lose density faster and fracture risk increases - Heart disease: LDL cholesterol levels may rise - Diabetes: Blood sugar control may worsen
Management - Making lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms and reduce health risks: - Stay physically active - Follow a nutritious, balanced diet - Take vitamin D and calcium supplements - Consider hormone replacement therapy
Routine Care - It's important for postmenopausal women to get preventative care from their healthcare provider, including: - Regular bone density scans - Cholesterol checks - Blood pressure monitoring - Pelvic exams
If you're entering the postmenopausal stage, the caring medical team at Hormone Solutions can help guide you through this transition. Our top-rated women's health and hormone therapy program provides customized treatment plans to help manage symptoms, optimize health, and embrace this new phase of womanhood on your terms.