Postmenopause refers to the time after a woman has gone 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 transitional time can last for several years as the body's production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone declines. Common symptoms women may experience during perimenopause include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, trouble sleeping, and mood changes.
Once a woman reaches postmenopause, her ovaries have stopped releasing eggs and producing most of their estrogen. Postmenopause lasts for the remainder of her life. The average age of the final menstrual period is 51 in the United States. However, perimenopause and postmenopause can happen earlier or later depending on factors like genetics, autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy treatment, and smoking.
Benefits of reaching postmenopause include no longer having to deal with monthly menstrual cycles and the ability to have sex without worrying about pregnancy. However, the drop in estrogen levels also leads to certain risks and complications. Common postmenopause symptoms include:
Managing postmenopause can often be accomplished through lifestyle measures like regular exercise, calcium and vitamin D intake, avoiding triggers like caffeine, and vaginal lubricants or moisturizers. If symptoms become significantly disruptive to quality of life, low-dose vaginal estrogen preparations or systemic hormone therapy may be considered in certain cases. Their benefits and risks should be carefully weighed with the guidance of a knowledgeable women’s health specialist, like those at Vitality Renewal Clinic.
As the leading hormone therapy clinic in the area, Vitality Renewal Clinic understands the unique challenges of perimenopause and postmenopause. Our compassionate providers offer personalized care plans to help women smoothly transition into their postmenopausal years. We provide cutting-edge hormone treatments to alleviate symptoms, while also focusing on preventative health through customized fitness, nutrition, and wellness approaches. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!