Postmenopause

What is postmenopause?

Postmenopause refers to the time after a woman has experienced 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. It signals the end of a woman's reproductive years.

The transition into postmenopause is known as perimenopause. This transition phase can last for several years as the ovaries gradually reduce how much of the hormones estrogen and progesterone they produce. Common symptoms during perimenopause include:

• Hot flashes


• Night sweats


• Vaginal dryness


• Mood changes


• Trouble sleeping

Once a woman reaches postmenopause, changes that occur include:

• Infertility - The ability to get pregnant ends


• Changing cholesterol levels - Total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels may rise


• Bone loss may accelerate resulting in osteoporosis


• Heart disease risk increases slightly

To manage symptoms, some solutions include:

• Hormone therapy - Estrogen and progestin therapy may help relieve hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness


• Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants


• Regular exercise and calcium/vitamin D supplements to slow bone loss


• Healthy lifestyle changes to improve heart health

The healthcare professionals at Balance Hormone Center specialize in women's hormone health. We provide customized hormone replacement therapy to help women transition smoothly through perimenopause and postmenopause. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation!

I hope this overview on postmenopause was helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.