Postmenopause - Rejuvenate Clinic

Postmenopause is the time after a woman's final menstrual period. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years.

The transition into postmenopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. This transition time is called perimenopause. It typically lasts several years. During perimenopause, a woman's ovaries gradually make less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These changes often cause hot flashes, sleep problems, and irregular periods.

Once a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual cycle, she has reached menopause. The term "postmenopause" describes the years after menopause.

Changes After Menopause

Postmenopause brings physical and emotional changes:

• Lower estrogen levels can lead to changes like vaginal dryness and thinner bones. These raise the risk for vaginal infections and osteoporosis.
• Lower estrogen may change the way fat is distributed in the body. Many women gain weight during the postmenopausal years.
• Hot flashes may continue into postmenopause. Over time, they typically decrease in frequency and intensity.
• The end of fertility means women can no longer get pregnant. Some women feel a sense of loss about this. Mood changes may also occur.

Good nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management help women manage postmenopausal symptoms and stay healthy after menopause. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D is important to slow bone loss. Some women take hormone therapy from Rejuvenate Clinic short-term to relieve severe hot flashes. Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can help ease vaginal dryness.