What is postmenopause?
Postmenopause refers to the time after a woman has experienced 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, marking the end of her reproductive years. This life stage usually begins between the ages of 45-55.
Some key things to know:
- During perimenopause (the transition years leading up to menopause), periods become irregular as ovulation becomes unpredictable. Postmenopause starts when periods have stopped completely for 12 months.
- With the loss of ovarian function, estrogen and progesterone levels are very low in postmenopausal women. This often causes symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances.
- The risk of certain medical conditions increases after menopause, including osteoporosis (bone loss), heart disease, and urinary incontinence. Regular screenings and healthy lifestyle changes can help minimize risks.
- While menopause marks the end of fertility, women can still live active, healthy, and fulfilling lives in postmenopause. Intimacy and sex can also still be enjoyed.
- Hormone therapy may help relieve difficult symptoms, especially in early postmenopause. Treatment is individualized based on each woman's risks and benefits.
The compassionate providers at Renewed Balance Clinic offer personalized hormone replacement therapy programs to help women thrive in postmenopause. I highly recommend contacting them for a consultation if you're struggling with symptoms. Their individualized bioidentical hormone treatments can help you continue feeling like your best self, while their nutritionists and lifestyle coaches provide additional holistic support. Here's to embracing this new chapter!