Postmenopausal Symptoms
We often hear about perimenopause and menopause, but what can you expect after menopause is over? Some women notice a drastic decrease in symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, but some women may experience these or new symptoms well into their postmenopausal years. We share what you can expect and how to navigate postmenopausal symptoms.
What Does Postmenopausal Mean?
Postmenopause refers to the period after menopause ends, which is 12 consecutive months without a period without underlying causes. The period leading up to menopause is called “perimenopause,” and for many women, the physical, mental, and emotional symptoms rev up considerably during the perimenopausal years.
While you may experience fewer symptoms during your postmenopausal years, other health concerns may arise, so it’s critical that you get regular check-ups, like your annual well-woman exam, to ensure that you remain in optimal health.
What signals the end of menopause?
Menopause is a transition, and from the early signs of perimenopause to the postmenopausal stage, it can take 4-7 years and up to 10 years for some women. How do you know that menopause is over? The clinical definition of menopause is 12 consecutive months without a period. Other signs that you are headed towards the postmenopausal period are fewer symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, decreased breast tenderness, and your periods come even less than before completely stopping.
Five Postmenopause Symptoms and Health Concerns
Reaching postmenopause is a major milestone, and it comes with both benefits and new challenges. No more monthly periods, and many women notice that symptoms like hot flashes begin to subside during this stage.
But postmenopause can also bring new health concerns. Some are linked to aging, while others stem from lower estrogen levels, affecting everything from bone density to heart health. Stay in tune with your body, and don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about any symptoms that cause discomfort or concern. Below are five postmenopause symptoms and health concerns to look out for.
Bone Health
Close to 20% of bone loss happens during the menopausal years, and osteoporosis becomes a much greater risk after menopause. Research shows that estrogen deficiency causes osteoporosis, a condition in which weakened bone mass causes bones to become weak and brittle, and postmenopausal women are at an increased risk. Routine bone density scans and increased vitamin D and calcium in your diet can help reduce this risk.
Postmenopausal Bleeding
You will no longer get a period after menopause. However, some women experience bleeding for a few reasons:
- Vaginal dryness
- Polyps (non-cancerous growths)
- Starting or stopping hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Uterine cancer (very rarely)
Vaginal bleeding postmenopause is usually due to benign (noncancerous) causes, but it is unusual and you should seek medical attention if it happens.
High Blood Pressure
Shifting hormones during menopause can contribute to weight gain and make your body more sensitive to salt, raising blood pressure. Some types of hormone therapy may also play a role. To help manage your blood pressure, focus on heart-healthy habits like eating well, staying active, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend medication to keep your numbers in check.
Vaginal Dryness
Postmenopausal vaginal dryness is a common issue and can make sex uncomfortable or even painful. This happens because lower estrogen levels cause vaginal tissues to become thinner and more easily irritated—a condition known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause. The good news is there are effective treatments, including vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and low-dose vaginal estrogen therapies. Prescription options like DHEA suppositories or oral medications like ospemifene may also help. Regular sexual activity or vaginal stimulation can also support vaginal health, so don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider about what’s right for you.
Bladder Issues
Many women experience bladder problems after menopause–usually due to a combination of lower estrogen, aging and previous childbirth. Urogenital atrophy, or bladder atrophy, is a condition that affects the vulvar, vaginal, urethral and bladder tissue. The weakened muscles make it challenging to control bladder functions.
Bladder atrophy symptoms include:
- Burning and itching around the vagina and genitals
- Burning while urinating
- Urgency with urination
- Frequent urination
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Incontinence
- Leaking or inability to hold your urine
Treatments
Hormone Replacement Therapy
The core problem of many postmenopausal symptoms is declining estrogen levels, which is a critical hormone in the reproductive system. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) helps relieve menopausal symptoms by replacing hormones like estrogen and, if you still have your uterus, progestin. It’s available in pills, patches, or gels, and may also help protect against conditions like osteoporosis. Some women also turn to vaginal lubricants for dryness and atrophy.
Lifestyle Changes
Postmenopause management is about focusing on long-term health. Think about making small, everyday changes that holistically make you feel better. Pick up a physical activity you like to do 3-4 times per week to help with muscle pain or stiff and achy joints. Enjoy the sun as much as possible with UV protection and a hat. Maintain a good diet and low stress levels and reduce alcohol consumption and smoking
Diet and Postmenopause Supplements
You can also incorporate a postmenopausal supplement into your daily routine, or increase your consumption of foods high in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D, such as:
- Magnesium: Spinach, almonds, bananas, avocado and black beans
- Vitamin D: Oily fish such as sardines and salmon, plain dark chocolate, and breakfast cereals fortified with vitamin D (along with adequate natural sunlight, with proper protection)
- Calcium: Milk, cheese, kale, yogurt, sardines and edamame
Postmenopause Doctors in Long Island, NY
Once menopause ends, you enter a new phase of your life with new health concerns. To manage your postmenopause symptoms, you should regularly see your healthcare provider, incorporate healthful lifestyle practices like stress management, exercise and a healthy diet, and reduce harmful practices like smoking and excess alcohol. At Square Care, our dedicated providers are experts in postmenopausal management; request an appointment today so we can support you on this new journey.