Postmenopause | Baylor Scott & White Health

What is postmenopause?

Postmenopause is the stage of life that happens after menopause. Menopause occurs when your ovaries stop producing estrogen, and you no longer have menstrual periods. It’s officially considered menopause once you've gone 12 consecutive months without a period. After that, you enter postmenopause, which lasts for the rest of your life.

During this time, your body undergoes several changes because of the decrease in hormones. While some women may experience symptoms, others may not. It’s helpful to understand these changes and how to take care of your health during this time.

Postmenopausal symptoms

Many people in postmenopause may still experience some lingering symptoms from menopause, though these symptoms are typically less intense. These lingering effects are due to lower levels of reproductive hormones. However, some people may not have any symptoms at all during postmenopause.

If you do have symptoms, some of the most common include:

Hot flashes and night sweats
Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
Depression
Changes in sex drive (lower libido)
Insomnia
Dry skin
Weight changes
Hair thinning or loss
Urinary incontinence

When to see a doctor

If you’re experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk to your primary health provider or OBGYN. Managing these symptoms through lifestyle changes or treatments like hormone replacement therapy (HRT), can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with postmenopause and support your overall health.

How postmenopause affects the body

Postmenopause is a natural phase in life, but the drop in estrogen levels can affect your body in different ways. As estrogen levels decrease, it can increase the risk of certain health conditions. Other changes that happen during this time can also add to these risks.

By staying proactive with your health—like scheduling regular check-ups and focusing on healthy lifestyle choices—you can manage the effects of postmenopause and feel your best.

Heart and cardiovascular health

Estrogen helps keep the walls of your blood vessels healthy, which supports good blood flow. After menopause, as estrogen levels drop, your risk for heart disease goes up. The American Heart Association explains that the loss of estrogen may contribute to this increase in heart disease. However, starting estrogen therapy, especially transdermal estrogen, soon after menopause, or within 10 years, may offer some protection for your heart and blood vessels.

Diagnosing postmenopause

Diagnosing postmenopause is usually based on your symptoms and the fact that you’ve gone 12 months without a period. In most cases, you won’t need any tests. However, if you're younger and showing signs of menopause, your doctor might suggest a blood test to confirm.

Your doctor will likely ask about your health history and symptoms, like when your last period was, to help determine if you're in postmenopause. This can often be done without needing a blood test.

If necessary, your doctor might recommend a blood test to measure hormone levels like estradiol and FSH. After menopause, your body produces more FSH, while estradiol levels decrease, which helps confirm if you’re in postmenopause.

Postmenopause treatment

Most women don’t need treatment during postmenopause, but if symptoms like hot flashes or vaginal dryness are affecting your daily life, there are treatments that can help. Talk to your doctor about the options available and which ones are right for you.

Since postmenopause can increase the risk of certain health issues, your doctor may suggest making healthy lifestyle changes to protect your heart and bones. Staying active, eating well and having regular check-ups are important steps to staying healthy.

Lifestyle changes

Making simple, healthy changes to your routine can have a big impact on how you feel during postmenopause. Here are some things to focus on:

Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Exercise can improve heart health, strengthen your bones and lift your mood. Activities like walking, swimming or yoga are great options.
Healthy eating: A balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins is important. Your doctor can help guide you on the best eating plan to make sure you're getting the right nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, to support your bones and overall health.
Quit smoking: If you smoke, quitting can help reduce your risk of heart disease, bone loss, and other health issues while also improving menopausal symptoms.

Your doctor may also recommend supplements like calcium or vitamin D to help support bone health during postmenopause.

Find specialized postmenopause care

We offer several locations across North and Central Texas for your postmenopause care. Our experienced healthcare providers are here to support you with personalized care and treatment options tailored to your needs. Whether you're seeking symptom management or proactive health screenings, we have convenient locations to ensure you get the care you deserve.

Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth

1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104

Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth

1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104

What is postmenopause?

What age is postmenopausal?

How long does postmenopause last?

What hormones are affected by postmenopause?

Postmenopausal symptoms

When to see a doctor

How postmenopause affects the body

Heart and cardiovascular health

Bone health

Urinary health

Sexual health

Metabolism and weight

Diagnosing postmenopause

Postmenopause treatment

Lifestyle changes

Medication

Hormone replacement therapy

Find specialized postmenopause care

Frequently asked questions

How long do hot flashes last postmenopausally?

What causes postmenopausal bleeding?

Do postmenopausal women need iron?

Can you get pregnant postmenopausal?

Do postmenopausal women need estrogen?

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