Postmenopause refers to the time after a woman's final menstrual period. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years.
The hallmark sign of postmenopause is that a woman has not had a menstrual cycle for 12 consecutive months. This signals that the ovaries have stopped releasing eggs and producing hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
During the menopausal transition, fluctuating hormone levels can lead to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, trouble sleeping, and more. After postmenopause sets in, some symptoms may persist while others ease up.
Potential postmenopause health risks include osteoporosis and bone fractures due to estrogen loss, which helps bones stay healthy. Heart disease risk may also rise without estrogen's protective effects on blood vessels and cholesterol levels.
There are various treatment options that can help manage postmenopausal symptoms and long-term health risks:
- Hormone therapy - Estrogen with or without progestin can treat hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and prevent bone loss. This is the most effective option for symptomatic relief.
- Vaginal estrogen - Low-dose topical estrogen helps vaginal tissues without raising systemic hormone levels much.
- Other medications - Antidepressants, gabapentin, and clonidine may help hot flashes. Osteoporosis drugs like bisphosphonates strengthen bones.
- Lifestyle changes - Regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate calcium and vitamin D, not smoking, and limiting alcohol intake helps with overall health and symptom management.
At
Hormone Wellness Institute, our caring doctors offer customized
hormone therapy and treatment plans to help patients transition through menopause and
postmenopause. With an individualized approach focused on lifestyle, nutrition, and wellbeing beyond just medications, we empower women to achieve optimal health during this change. Contact us today to learn more!
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