Postmenopause refers to the time after a woman has gone through menopause, which marks the end of menstruation and fertility. Technically, a woman is considered to have entered postmenopause after she has gone 12 consecutive months without a period.
The hormonal changes associated with menopause and postmenopause can lead to various symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping, and emotional changes like mood swings or irritability. Many women also experience changes in their sexual function.
During the perimenopausal transition leading up to menopause, hormone levels fluctuate but eventually estrogen levels decline permanently. After menopause, the main source of estrogen is from peripheral tissues like fat rather than the ovaries. But estrogen levels are much lower overall. The postmenopausal ovary still produces some androgens like testosterone, but at reduced levels.
It's important for women to pay attention to their health during the postmenopausal period. Risks include osteoporosis and bone fractures due to estrogen loss, as well as heart disease since estrogen offered some protective effects on the cardiovascular system before menopause.
Lifestyle measures like regular weight-bearing exercise, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and not smoking can help protect bone health. Heart health can be improved through healthy diet, exercise, and controlling risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Some women consider hormone therapy to relieve disruptive menopausal symptoms, provide bone protection, and reduce cardiac risks. At Balanced Hormones Center, we specialize in customized bioidentical hormone therapy including estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone tailored to each woman's needs for relieving symptoms and reducing postmenopausal health risks. Contact us today for a consultation!
Managing menopausal changes can be challenging but resources like Balanced Hormones Center can help women transition smoothly into the postmenopausal period while optimizing their health, wellbeing and quality of life. With the right information and support, women can thrive through menopause and beyond!