Post-menopause is the final stage of menopause, indicating the point where women have completed the transitional hormonal change and no longer have reproductive function. Women who have reached post menopause may experience a unique set of symptoms and side effects, which can differ from the symptoms experienced previously.
In this article, we discuss the key symptoms of post menopause, offering insight into what happens after menopause and what to expect.
Understanding post-menopause
Post-menopause is a recognised stage of the menopausal process, and can present itself with physical symptoms that do not occur during perimenopause. This is because a woman’s body needs to adjust to the lower hormone levels and changes in their reproductive organs. All women experience post-menopause differently, and may not have notable symptoms at all, which is why it’s advised to speak to a specialist if you are unsure about anything.
Post menopausal symptoms and health risks
There are various physical and psychological symptoms of post-menopause, as well as some health risks that can be more present or more frequent in older women who have reached the end of menopause. These include:
Vaginal dryness and discomfort
This can be caused by changes in the vaginal pH and the significant decline of oestrogen, which helps maintain the thickness, lubrication and elasticity of the vaginal walls. Vaginal lubricants, topical creams and HRT (hormone replacement therapy) can help to combat this.
Urinary incontinence
The reduction in oestrogen levels causes changes to your pelvic muscles, vaginal tissue and bladder, all of which can lead to incontinence issues. Pelvic floor exercises, incontinence pads and medication can help manage this.
Another symptom of post-menopause is post-menopausal bleeding. You can read more about this condition and its causes in our article, Post meno-pausal bleeding: How to stop brown discharge after menopause.
Increased risk of osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones, and can be more likely in women who are post-menopausal. The decreased levels of oestrogen result in a weakening of bone density of up to 25% or more, leading to increased chances of fracturing bones, or being diagnosed with osteoporosis. Treatments and tests such as an X-ray consultation can help identify and diagnose osteoporosis.
UTIs (Urinary tract infections)
Due to the reduction in function of reproductive organs, UTIs are more common in post-menopausal women, as are complications such as vaginal infections. The decrease in oestrogen can cause the urethra to become more delicate and the vaginal area to become more susceptible to infection.
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
One of the health concerns for women in post-menopause is cardiovascular disease. There is an increased chance of developing symptoms due to the body’s low oestrogen levels, which can lead to narrowed coronary arteries. This risk can be mitigated through a balanced and healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise.
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Managing post menopausal symptoms
There are a number of ways you can manage post-menopausal symptoms. These include over the counter medicines and creams, as well as prescribed medication to combat the symptoms of osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease. In some cases, surgery will be recommended, or medical devices will be prescribed to help manage your symptoms. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may also be recommended.
Aside from medical treatment, post-menopausal women can also manage symptoms by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, or taking vitamin and mineral supplements. or If you are experiencing any post-menopausal symptoms that are cause for concern, it’s recommended to get in touch with a medical professional for a formal consultation. Following a formal diagnosis, a suitable treatment plan will be created by your doctor, GP or gynaecologist.
Modality LLP are proud to offer specialist women’s health support and advice. For more information about our women’s health services and how we can help you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team.
