Is there actually an AFTER menopause? Believe it or now, there is an after. If you are experiencing symptoms that are making life really hard to live, rest assured, this too will pass. But what happens when it passes?
Although you may have a general sense of what to expect as you approach menopause, you may be surprised as to what happens once menopause actually ends! Menopause and postmenopause are rarely the subjects of discussion which leaves many just not knowing what to expect.
Most women start perimenopause in their late 40’s and continue to experience the symptoms of decreasing hormones into their late 50’s. enter or experience their menopause between the ages of forty and sixty. So post-menopause is anywhere from your 50’s to the end of your life.
What is Post Menopause?
Postmenopause is the stage of life when you haven’t had a period for 12 months or longer. Once you enter postmenopause, you will be in this stage for the remainder of your life. During this phase, your hormone levels will continue to be at a low level of production unless you are taking hormone replacement medication.
Common Post Menopause Symptoms
In postmenopause, you can still experience menopausal symptoms, although the symptoms are less severe compared to the ones you may have experience during menopause. The symptoms may vanish altogether as low levels of reproductive hormones can still induce lingering symptoms.
Postmenopausal women may experience symptoms such as:
- Night sweats and Hot flashes
- Sexual Discomfort and Vaginal Dryness
- Depression
- Mood Swings
- Insomnia
- Dry Skin
- Weight Fluctuations
- Hair Loss
Increased Risk of Health Issues
You may think that once menopause is over, you are finally free from all the worries. On the contrary, one of the things that you need to be unaware of about postmenopause is that you are actually more susceptible and more at risk to certain health issues.
Osteoporosis, a health condition that greatly weakens bones and increases the risk of bone fractures and injuries, is commonly experienced and found postmenopausally. I use Osteoben myself and with my patients.
Furthermore, women at this phase may also be at a higher risk for cardiovascular illnesses, which are caused by higher levels of cholesterol after menopause. That’s why exercise and a heart-healthy diet become even more vital for postmenopausal women. Remember you will have higher cholesterol post-menopause because that helps produce estrogen in your body. Just make sure your diet is clean and free of sugar so that your HDL is high. Statins have not been proven to prevent heart disease in women. If you want to read more, check out The Great Cholesterol Con.
One of the best things to do right now is to understand and know your family’s medical history. This greatly reduces your risk of getting health problems. If your family has experience in certain health issues, then you can properly get tested and screened in that medical area, greatly reducing your risk of letting the health issue grow into something more severe.
Life After Menopause
As you get a clearer picture of what life may be after menopause, you might be wondering what changes you should make or what medicine you should take. While you should definitely start this conversation with your doctor, you can already start on this journey and take efforts to live a healthier lifestyle on your own!
Having a daily exercise routine or regular fitness plan is a great start to improving your life after menopause! Simple exercises like cardio paired with strength training can help you reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Aerobic and balance exercises like yoga and brisk walking can even improve your cardiovascular health as well as your mental health.
A good diet is as important as exercise. After menopause, you should reduce grains, alcohol, and sugar consumption. Always ask yourself, where is my fat and protein in every meal and snack. A healthy diet truly goes a long way.
After menopause, you should always conduct regular health checks and tests with your medical service providers. Regular checkups are pivotal in preventing minor health issues from becoming a bigger problem later on.
Keep in mind that communicating with your healthcare professional can help you live a full, active, and healthy life after menopause.
Sources:
https://www.partnermd.com/blog/life-after-menopause-what-to-expect-post-menopause
