Postmenopause

Women’s Health During Postmenopause

What is postmenopause?

Postmenopause is a period in woman’s life that occurs after the end of menopause. Postmenopause is associated with several health complications. Learning about these conditions and ways to reduce the risk is vital in order to stay healthy in this new phase of life.

During this phase of life, most women no longer have to deal with menopausal symptoms, like night sweats, sleep disorders, mood changes, and so on. Nonetheless, due to several factors, including low estrogen levels, the likelihood of a certain number of health problems, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease is increased.

Post Menopause Symptoms

• Breast changes. There is a chance that your breasts will shrink, change shape, and become more lump-prone during postmenopause. This is due to the changes in weight during menopause, which can make your breasts less elastic.
• Weight distribution may change. You might gain additional weight, particularly on the waistline. Some people think that the body is trying to “hoard” estrogen in fat cells around the stomach, but studies have shown that such fat is related to serious diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and stroke.
• You may have high blood pressure. Oestrogen is supposed to help preserve integrity of the blood vessels. Once you have reached postmenopause,  and your hormone levels hit the bottom of the rock, blood pressure tends to increase together with LDL cholesterol, which increases the risks of cardiovascular diseases. Risk of heart attacks seems to increase around 10 years after menopause.
• Sex can become more painful. Vulval and vaginal skin usually become less flexible during postmenopause, making sex unpleasant for some. In addition, you’re likely going to produce a fewer amount of lubricating mucus. Nearly thirty percent of women experience postmenopausal vaginal bleeding.
• You will lose some bone density.  Bone loss is inevitable during post menopause. During the first five years after menopause, you may lose up to 20 percent of your bone density, which increases the chances of osteoporosis.

Postmenopausal Age: When is Menopause Over

Postmenopausal definition is basically the answer to this question. Postmenopause starts a year after you’ve had your last period. The average age for menopause is early 50s, but it depends on the person. Some may experience it in their early 40s, while others might not have it until late 50s.

Supplements for Postmenopause

Calcium

Calcium is incredibly important for bone health, and is especially useful at the time of postmenopause, when the drop of estrogen makes women vulnerable to osteoporosis.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is equally important for bone health. The body can not consume calcium without vitamin D.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3s have a great anti-inflammatory effect, which can help both during menopause and postmenopause. It is beneficial not only in terms of cardiovascular benefits and triglyceride reduction, but also in maintaining the brain’s function, including mental impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, and so on.

Curcumin

Most of the studies have shown that curcumin can be used as an antidepressant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, or antioxidative drug. It has many advantages for brain and heart health. 

 

Sheri Goddard

Expert on menopause. Woman Consultant at Menopause Coach.
I will help you look at menopause in a "new light", and empower you to make healthy, alternative choices rather than thinking you MUST use unsafe traditional methods as you make your transition to menopause and beyond.