Postmenopause: When and What It Is

Hey, look at me… I am now living post-menopausal!!  Whatever that means.

I just got that email from a reader, so I thought I would briefly touch base on this.  I'm leaving shortly for a little trip, but I wanted to get this in.

Terms like perimenopausal, premenopausal, menopause and postmenopausal are all used in the medical community about women’s health, but what exactly does postmenopausal mean?  Since menopause is defined as the day where a woman has not had a period in twelve months, postmenopause is the time after that day forward.  Many of the symptoms of menopause ease during this time, but as a result of the lower levels of estrogen and other factors postmenopausal women are at greater risk for several health conditions like heart disease and osteoporosis. 

You can verify the arrival of the postmenopausal phase with an FSH blood test, which tests the follicle stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland.  This level rises as the ovaries begin to shut down and are easily detected in a blood test. 

Every woman’s risk is different during the postmenopausal state, so be sure to talk to your doctor about your risks for heart disease and osteoporosis, as well as other conditions that you may have.  Usually during this time women regain their energy and feel more emotionally balanced from the previous months in the perimenopausal state.  A healthy lifestyle and possibly medications could help to reduce the risk factors of health problems while postmenopausal.  It is also vital to continue getting pelvic exams, pap smears and mammograms to keep check on your body and any changes or problems that may be occurring. 

Since heart disease and osteoporosis are seen often in women of this age it is important to get regular physical examinations and also screenings for cardiac problems and bone mass.  Most doctors can perform a DEXA scan or bone scan in their office or in a near by facility to determine if there is evidence of osteoporosis or osteopenia, the precursor to osteoporosis.  Be sure to get plenty of vitamin D and calcium to keep your bones strong and healthy.  The doctor may also recommend regular cardiac check ups or stress tests, etc. to keep watch on your cardiac health.  Once you have reached the postmenopausal phase the most important things to continue are a healthy lifestyle and regular check ups and screenings.