Postmenopause - Restore Vitality Clinic

Postmenopause

Postmenopause is the stage that begins one year after a woman's last menstrual period. At this point, menstruation has ceased permanently as the ovaries have stopped releasing eggs.

Some key changes that occur during postmenopause:

• Estrogen levels continue to decline. This leads to changes like:
  • Thinning and increased dryness of vaginal tissues
  • Thinning of hair on the head and faster nail growth
  • Bone loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis
• The risk of certain health conditions increases, including:
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Osteoporosis

Many women experience bothersome postmenopausal symptoms during this stage, while others notice few changes. Common symptoms include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness or pain during sex
• Difficulty sleeping
• Mood changes like irritability or anxiety
• Weight gain
• Brain fog or memory problems

Why does menopause occur?

Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It happens because the ovaries stop producing the hormones (estrogen and progesterone) needed for ovulation and menstruation. Over time, the ovaries run out of eggs, and hormone production declines until it halts completely.

When does postmenopause begin?

Postmenopause technically begins 12 full months after a woman's final menstrual period. At this point, menstruation will not return again. The year after the final period is a transition where hormone changes continue.

For more information, please visit the Restore Vitality Clinic.