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.