Women’s Health During Postmenopause

What is postmenopause?

Postmenopause

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. 

A doctor may typically diagnose this stage after 12 months of having no periods. Otherwise, there is one more method —  to measure the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FHS) level with the blood test. If the test shows its spike while ovaries are shut down, you are most likely to be already in postmenopause. Why likely? Because even during menopause the levels of this hormone may fluctuate alongside estrogen and progesterone. 

The next concern is postmenopause symptoms. As hormones fluctuate and FHS raises, there are some changes in your body as well as health which you may experience.

Post Menopause Symptoms

There are many postmenopause symptoms one woman may experience. Simultaneously, they all differ and some women may not even have them. 

• 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.
• Alongside painful sex, you are most likely to have low libido. And, it is pretty natural. You can still have sex but have a low sexual drive. Commonly, there are many medications or treatment approaches your doctor may recommend you as well as you should change sex experience by adding more foreplays to be stimulated.
• 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.
• Appearance changes should not be a surprise for postmenopausal women. Postmenopause is basically aging, and a woman may have grey hair, thinning follicles, and experience hair loss. The skin becomes dull, wrinkles appear, and skin generally loses its oiliness but acquires more dryness. You may use cosmetics and beauty products for aged women to at least prevent new wrinkles or hair loss as well as moisturize your body.

Finally, postmenopausal women are likely to experience mental changes. They are at high risk of anxiety, depression, stress, and irritability. While some perfectly cope with that by living life to the fullest and thinking positively, some may retire into their shells claiming postmenopause is already the end of the world. No, it is not. So, if you experience any mood changes, do not let them worsen and grow into a depressive disorder which will require another treatment protocol.

Postmenopausal Age: When is Menopause Over

The 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. If a woman has been diagnosed with menopause in her early 40s, it is the sign that health condition is poor or surgery has been done and accelerated the onset of menopause. Or else, there are inherited disorders, as well as heavy smoking which could have participated in the onset of this stage. Typically, only your doctor may tell when menopause is over, but you may also examine your health condition and check when your periods are no longer with you for more than 12 months.

Do You Need to Continue Seeing Your Doctor On Postmenopause?

If the menopause is over and you think the postmenopause stage does not predetermine check-ups with the doctor, it is a very big mistake. Women older 50 are at great risk of experiencing health disorders including breast cancer. So, to protect yourself from any negative outcomes, you should regularly visit a gynecologist to examine pelvic, breasts. Mammograms are one of the most important responsibilities you should bear in mind. 

Can You Get Pregnant While in Postmenopause?

If you do, it is basically a miracle. But, the answer is no. The last “natural chance” to bear kids may be given during the perimenopause stage but if a woman turns in advance to the doctor. There are no proven data suggesting that women in their postmenopausal stage could bear children.

Supplements for Postmenopause

Alongside traditional hormone-replacement therapy, a woman may turn to health supplements if approved by her gynecologist and physician. They are many and in many forms. For example, you can find a complex health supplement that includes necessary vitamins, acids, or else stick to one ingredient or vitamin which will favor your health condition. Among the most popular choices, postmenopausal women may turn to are:

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. 

Furthermore, together with supplements do not forget to enrich your meals with greens, berries, and cut down the number of high-cholesterol foods. You may eat sweats or any other guilty-pleasures but in moderate amounts, as the fat will only enlarge and you may accelerate problems with the digestive tract as well as thyroid. Exercise, smokeless, and do not drink into oblivion, as postmenopause can be fully manageable if you do not go extreme with your bad habits.

FAQ

How long do postmenopausal symptoms last among women? 

It differs in all women. Doctors suggest that postmenopausal symptoms may last for 7 years on average. However, some women may expect them to last longer for up to 12 years.

What is postmenopausal age?

Postmenopausal age is a period between 40 and 55 after the menopause has been first diagnosed. It differs in women, and you may experience it even later.

How to boost sex drive for a postmenopausal woman?

First of all, a woman should think of hormone-replacement therapy which is likely to balance the levels of estrogen and progesterone. Then, health supplements may do good as well as a healthy lifestyle, and regular foreplays to be sexually stimulated.

What age for postmenopausal? 

40-55 is the average age when the postmenopausal stage may occur. 

 

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.