Postmenopause - Vitality Hormone Center

What is postmenopause?

Postmenopause is the stage that begins 12 months after a woman's last menstrual period. It signals the end of a woman's reproductive years.

In the years leading up to postmenopause (known as perimenopause), a woman's ovaries gradually produce less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This causes irregular menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and mood changes.

Once a woman has gone 12 months without a period, she has reached postmenopause. At this point:

• Ovaries have stopped releasing eggs
• Estrogen and progesterone levels are very low
• Periods do not return

Changes during postmenopause

With the drop in estrogen during postmenopause, women are more vulnerable to several health conditions:

• Osteoporosis: Estrogen helps maintain bone density. Loss of bone mass speeds up in the years after menopause.
• Heart disease: Risk increases after menopause. Low estrogen may play a role.
• Changes in cholesterol: Shifts occur around the time of menopause, raising risk for heart disease.
• Weight gain: Fat storage shifts from hips and thighs to the abdomen. Burning calories gets harder.
• Skin and hair changes: Skin may become drier. Hair may thin.

The Vitality Hormone Center() specializes in helping women navigate menopause and postmenopause through cutting-edge hormone therapy. Contact us today to learn about custom treatment plans for balancing hormones, easing symptoms, and reducing future health risks.

Managing postmenopause

While hormone levels cannot be restored after menopause, symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes and possibly hormone therapy:

• Healthy diet: Nutritious eating helps control weight, cholesterol, and bone loss. Calcium and Vitamin D are especially important.
• Regular exercise preserves bone density and reduces risks for many chronic diseases.
• Hormone therapy: Low doses of estrogen and/or progesterone ease hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It also helps prevent osteoporosis. But hormone therapy is not for all women as it carries some health risks.
• Vaginal estrogen treats vaginal symptoms without risks of systemic hormone therapy.
• Alternative therapies: Some women get relief from acupuncture, supplements, or mindfulness techniques. Evidence on efficacy varies.

The transition through perimenopause and into postmenopause can be eased with support from health professionals. Women should have regular well-woman exams and bone density tests during this time. Report any persistent or concerning symptoms right away as many options exist for improving comfort, health, and quality of life after menopause.