What are 5 things you need to know about postmenopause?
You are probably familiar with the symptoms of perimenopause, but how much do you know about postmenopause, the last stage of menopause? The postmenopausal stage of this life transition occurs 12 months after you stop menstruating and lasts for the rest of your life. Here are five things that our San Antonio OBGYNs want you to know about this time of your life.
You can still have hot flashes in the years after menopause
Hot flashes after menopause? Is this a joke? Well, not really. Some women continue to have hot flashes in the years after they stop having periods due to low estrogen levels. You may still experience other symptoms you thought you left behind in the perimenopausal stage, like mood swings, sleep issues, hair loss and night sweats, or you may be one of the women who have diminished or no symptoms in the postmenopausal years.
Your risk for osteoporosis and heart disease increase during postmenopause
The hormone estrogen plays an important role in women’s health, and when it reaches low levels in the postmenopausal stage, it increases the risk for several diseases and health complications. Many women experience more bone loss, putting them at risk for osteoporosis and broken bones. They also are at higher risk for heart disease. Our San Antonio OBGYNs urge you to schedule annual wellness visits so we can monitor your health during postmenopause and prevent serious problems.
You may have more urinary tract infections or develop urinary incontinence
Lower levels of estrogen affect your urinary tract health. The decreasing hormone can make your pelvic muscles weaker, causing pelvic organ prolapse or support problems. This puts you at an increased risk for recurrent urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence.
Sex may become more difficult and painful postmenopause
During the postmenopausal years, many women become frustrated because sex hurts and sexual penetration can become difficult due to vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy. Vaginal atrophy occurs when the walls of the vagina get dry, thin or inflamed. Low estrogen levels cause both problems. Our OBGYNs encourage you to come in and talk to us if you are having pain or problems during intercourse. There are solutions.
Our San Antonio OBGYNs can help you cope with this stage of menopause
Having health issues and problems during postmenopause is not unusual. Our team is here to talk with you, answer your questions, perform physical examinations and tests and provide you with the advice you need. From lifestyle suggestions and medications to hormone therapy and minimally invasive procedures, our experienced OBGYNs can help you feel better. Contact us for an appointment.