Postmenopause refers to the time after a woman's final menstrual period. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years.
The term menopause means that a woman has gone 12 full months without a period. The time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause. This transitional stage can last several years.
Once a woman reaches menopause, she has officially entered postmenopause. This means:
- She can no longer get pregnant
- Her ovaries have stopped releasing eggs
- Her body is producing less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone
Some key things to understand about postmenopause:
- There is no set age when it begins - The average age for menopause is 51, but it can happen anytime between ages 45-55. Postmenopause simply refers to the time after that final period.
- Symptoms may persist - Many women have postmenopause symptoms like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and vaginal dryness. These can last for years. Managing them is an important health goal.
- Bone loss risk increases - With less estrogen, bones lose density faster. Getting adequate calcium and vitamin D can help slow bone loss after menopause.
- Heart disease risk rises - Lower estrogen levels remove some heart protections women have before menopause. Controlling risk factors like cholesterol levels helps manage this risk.
In summary,
postmenopause signals an end to a woman's childbearing years and related hormonal fluctuations. Paying attention to managing symptoms, bone health, and heart health are vital health steps during this stage of life. Working closely with one's healthcare provider at Revive Health & Wellness can ensure a smooth transition through postmenopause.