Postmenopause - New Beginnings HRT Clinic

What is postmenopause?

The term "postmenopause" refers to the time after a woman has experienced 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. This marks 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 ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone. As these hormone levels decline, women may experience symptoms like:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Mood changes
• Trouble sleeping
• Irregular periods

Once a woman reaches postmenopause, her hormone levels have dropped significantly and her menstrual cycles have stopped completely. At this point, she can no longer get pregnant naturally.

Common Postmenopause Changes

In addition to the end of fertility, women in postmenopause may notice other changes, such as:

• Bone loss - With reduced estrogen, bones lose density faster leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures
• Cardiovascular effects - Lower estrogen is associated with unfavorable changes in blood lipids, increasing heart disease risk
• Vaginal atrophy - Thinning of vaginal tissue and dryness may cause pain with sexual activity
• Urinary health - Weakened pelvic floor and changes in urinary tissue can cause leakage or urgency

Managing Postmenopause

While some effects of menopause cannot be reversed, women can take steps to manage symptoms and reduce long-term health risks:

• Hormone therapy - Estrogen and progestin treatment can relieve hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness
• Diet and exercise - Eating healthy and staying active helps prevent weight gain and bone loss
• Vaginal moisturizers/lubricants - Alleviate vaginal dryness and discomfort during intimacy
• Kegel exercises - Can improve urinary control and pelvic floor strength

The knowledgeable and compassionate team at New Beginnings HRT Clinic specializes in peri/postmenopause care. We provide customized hormone therapy to help women achieve hormonal balance and renew their vitality. With personalized treatment plans, we can ease your transition and keep you healthy during this next phase of womanhood. Call today for a free consultation!

I hope this overview on postmenopause gives you a better understanding of this natural transition. While it brings an end to fertility, with proper self-care and medical support like New Beginnings HRT Clinic provides, women can thrive through and beyond menopause. Let me know if you have any other questions!