Time is fleeting, and yesterday’s schoolgirl, bride and mother of grown-up children notices that her body does not work the same way as before. It is impossible to say exactly when the functions of the ovaries will begin to fade.
It takes place in several stages, each of which has its own characteristics. The final phase of menopause is postmenopause. What is postmenopause, when does it occur, how long does it last, what symptoms does it cause and how to improve well-being every woman should know.
Postmenopause is a long period after complete completion. It is impossible to name the exact age for the onset of the postmenopausal stage, because each woman’s body is individual. The onset of menopause and the rate of decline of reproductive function are influenced by heredity, previous diseases, the state of the immune system, age and lifestyle.
Postmenopause in women does not come suddenly.
There are specific stages of development in every woman's life.
This phase is the last stage of menopause.
There are 3 stages of menopause:
- premenopause;
- menopause;
- postmenopause.
For most women it comes after 40 years. This period is a preparatory stage for the completion of reproductive function.
The ovaries produce fewer and fewer eggs, and the production of sex hormones decreases. Your periods continue but become irregular. Increasingly, women's cycles pass without ovulation, which means that the chances of getting pregnant are reduced.
– when compared with other periods of menopause, this stage is the shortest. Characterized by the period of the last menstruation. The onset of menopause is indicated by the absence of menstruation for more than a year.
– the last stage of menopause, in which menstruation is completely absent. In most cases it comes after 55 years. The ovaries stop functioning, and there is an acute deficiency of hormones. This period can be early or late. The early stage lasts 2-3 years, after which late postmenopause occurs, lasting 10 years or more.
Menopause and postmenopause are a new phase in a woman’s life that will inevitably come, and the female body must be prepared for it. In order to properly prepare for this period, you need to know what changes will occur in a woman’s body at this time.
Timely recognition of menopause will help you adjust your lifestyle, diet, and select treatment to alleviate the symptoms of menopause.
What changes occur in the female body?
Menopause is not a disease.
Having understood the question of what postmenopause is, it is necessary to find out what happens in the female body at this time. During postmenopause, hormonal disturbances occur in a woman’s body: the production of estrogen and progesterone decreases, and the production of follicle-stimulating hormone increases.
During postmenopause, it is not excreted or renewed, which means that the onset of menstruation is impossible. The uterus and ovaries become smaller, and mucus production decreases.
During the postmenopausal period, a woman's vagina descends and the composition of the microflora changes. Changes in the composition of microflora lead to infections in the reproductive system and bladder. As a result, a woman more often suffers from cystitis. Decreased muscle tone can lead to urinary incontinence when coughing or straining.
Expert opinion
Alexandra Yurievna
General practitioner, associate professor, teacher of obstetrics, work experience 11 years.
Menopause helps slow down metabolism and the absorption of beneficial elements from food. Due to a deficiency of vitamins, a woman’s appearance deteriorates, and skin diseases and rashes appear.
Symptoms of the final period of menopause
The beginning of the postmenopausal period can be established no earlier than 12 months after the end of menstruation.
In addition to the absence of menstruation, there are other symptoms of postmenopause:
- brittle bones;
- hair loss;
- dryness and decreased elasticity of the skin, the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots;
- overweight;
- deterioration of memory, vision and hearing;
- possible development cardiovascular diseases;
- the woman becomes irritable, absent-minded, suspicious, and is often bothered by insomnia;
- Digestion is disturbed, constipation occurs;
- age spots appear and moles change.
Postmenopause entails many changes in the female body, which are caused by a constantly decreasing level. During this period, the risk of tumor formation in the breasts and genitals increases.
The appearance of menstruation may indicate polyps or tumor formations. Therefore, if you have your period during this transition period, visit your doctor immediately.
During the postmenopausal period, the norm is colorless discharge in small quantities that is odorless. If the discharge has changed color or smells unpleasant, this means that the woman has thrush or an inflammatory process in the genitals.
Important! For smokers who are too thin or too overweight women symptoms of deteriorating health are more pronounced. A sedentary lifestyle also contributes to the occurrence of diseases.
It is impossible to get rid of all the unpleasant signs of postmenopause, but inaction can cause the development of many diseases. It would not be a bad idea to visit a doctor to find out your current health status and select appropriate medications to alleviate the condition.
Diagnosis of the last period of menopause
The reproductive system in women is complex. Not every woman, knowing the individual characteristics of her body and having reached the appropriate age, understands what is happening to her.
The stage of life in which ovarian activity declines is quite long. Therefore, in order to confirm the naturalness of the process and exclude pathology, it is necessary to diagnose postmenopause.
About uterine bleeding.
If a woman has not had menstruation for more than a year, she needs to:
- get tested for follicle-stimulating hormone - it is elevated during postmenopause;
- get tested for estradiol - it will be low;
- take a test for male sex hormones - their level in the blood will increase;
- undergo an ultrasound of the pelvic organs - the study will confirm the absence of follicles.
By passing tests and performing an ultrasound examination, the doctor will be able to confirm the onset of the last period of menopause.
If there are signs of deterioration in health, as well as in order to assess how much damage has already been caused to the body, the attending physician may additionally prescribe:
- general blood test;
- Ultrasound of organs abdominal cavity;
- endoscopic examination of the uterine cavity;
- non-invasive examination of the mammary glands;
- cytological examination of the cervical mucosa;
- osteodensitometry.
Is it possible to get pregnant after menopause?
Complaint statistics.
It is difficult to say at what age a woman will no longer be able to get pregnant. Many cases have been described around the world where women, despite early symptoms of menopause, over 55 years of age naturally became mothers. More more women of this age became pregnant after the activation of the ovaries by hormones.
Even after the cessation of menstruation, a woman’s ovaries can form follicles within 2-3 years, so the possibility of pregnancy remains. Unfortunately, there are often cases when 45-50-year-old women, having consulted a specialist about a long absence of menstruation, are surprised when the doctor informs them about pregnancy.
Most women by this age already have adult children, so very often such pregnancies end in abortion. To avoid ending up in a similar situation, it is necessary to use protection for several years after the cessation of menstruation.
Optimal protection during postmenopause is hormonal contraception. It also provides prevention of diseases that can develop due to a decrease in the level of sex hormones in the blood.
Treatment during the final stage of menopause
Most of the signs of postmenopause are the result of hormonal changes in a woman’s body. The main goal of treatment during this period is to stabilize hormone levels. The attending physician does not always prescribe treatment with hormonal drugs. In some cases, phytohormones help alleviate a woman’s condition. These products are based on plant extracts that stimulate the production of estrogen.
A woman should adhere to the recommendations of doctors, since uncontrolled use of hormonal or hormone-like drugs can provoke the development of cancer or cardiovascular diseases. In addition to hormonal treatment, vitamins, calcium, cardiac and sedative medications are also prescribed.
You can also alleviate the condition with folk recipes, which are based on the use of decoctions of St. John's wort, ginseng, licorice, meadow clover and sage. To eliminate unpleasant symptoms menopause should be on more fresh air and eat right.
Prevention of complications during postmenopause
After the decline of reproductive function, there is no need to give up on yourself and think that life has already passed. During the last phase of menopause, women often develop diseases of the cardiovascular system, tumors and osteoporosis. This can lead to disability or early death.
You should limit the consumption of pork, carbohydrate foods, sugar, salt, smoked, spicy, strong coffee and alcohol. During postmenopause, it is useful to eat fresh vegetables and fruits, dairy products, cereals, broccoli, legumes, soy, pistachios and dates.
To avoid complications during postmenopause, it is recommended:
- Measure blood pressure in the morning and evening.
- Visit a gynecologist twice a year, have a mammogram and undergo an ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs.
- Check your blood cholesterol levels regularly.
- Avoid strict diets and take vitamins.
- Give up bad habits.
- Stay outdoors more.
- Do light exercise.
How formerly a woman starts to lead a healthy lifestyle, the less likely it is to have health problems.
Let's sum it up
Every woman learns what postmenopause is at a certain time. There is no need to be afraid of this new phase of life and think that it will last forever. This is not old age, but only a new stage in life. It is necessary to understand that all changes occurring in the body are a natural development of the female reproductive system.
Every woman needs to understand that her health must be protected long before the onset of postmenopause. Ailments can appear at any age, but over the years you need to spend more energy to overcome them.
In order not to encounter diseases, you should improve your lifestyle, give up bad habits, and also regularly undergo tests and examinations. How often do you visit doctors and get tested?
The postmenopausal period begins after the end of menstruation. What age corresponds to postmenopause depends on individual characteristics; it can occur at 40 years of age. However, the average age varies between 51 years. There are 2 stages of this process: early (first 2 years) and late postmenopause.
Postmenopause is a natural biological process caused by a decrease and then a complete cessation of ovarian production of sex hormones - estrogen and progesterone.
Is it possible to get pregnant after menopause?
No, this is practically impossible, since the maturation of eggs in the ovaries stops, and the mucous membrane of the uterus undergoes atrophy. However, the World Health Organization recommends that a woman not be declared infertile until she reaches the age of 59, as pregnancy is still extremely rare during this time.
During the first years, a woman may experience postmenopausal syndrome - sleep disturbances, hot flashes, emotional changes. There are many methods to relieve these symptoms, ranging from lifestyle changes to hormonal therapy. However, treatment must be carried out under the supervision of a gynecologist.
Reasons
The onset of postmenopause is inevitable and is embedded in the genetic program, which protects the female body from late pregnancy and regular menstrual blood loss. The time of onset of postmenopause is individual; it depends not only on genetic factors, but also on external conditions.
The level of estrogen in postmenopause decreases significantly (about the normal levels of this hormone, as well as why it is so important for female body, read), like other sex hormones. Therefore, they cease to act cyclically on the uterine mucosa. As a result, menstruation stops completely.
Some women experience artificial postmenopause. It develops after surgical removal of the ovaries or after they are damaged as a result of intensive radiation therapy for cancer. At the same time, the level of hormones that should be produced by the ovaries decreases to almost zero. Induced menopause occurs at a younger age than usual. Such women definitely require hormone replacement therapy to protect the body from the consequences of estrogen and progesterone deficiency.
Earlier postmenopause may occur under the influence of healthy image life, especially smoking.
What happens in the body
During the transition period, the hypothalamus becomes less sensitive to the influence of estrogens. As a result, the synthesis of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones increases several times, but the rhythm of their synthesis is lost. Follicles in the ovaries become insensitive to the influence of gonadotropins (and). The cyclic work of the ovaries stops.
In postmenopause, the ovaries do not secrete estradiol, the main female sex hormone. Estrone becomes predominant, secreted in adipose tissue and muscles from androstenedione. The latter is formed mainly in the adrenal glands. All these processes lead to atrophic changes in the reproductive system.
In postmenopause, the size of the uterus decreases by about a third due to myometrial atrophy. This happens especially quickly in the first 5 years. After 20 years of postmenopausal period, the size of the uterus does not change. The thickness of the endometrium also decreases to 4-5 mm. The intensity of blood flow in the internal genital organs decreases.
The ovaries can change according to two types - atrophic and hyperplastic. In the first case, the organs become smaller and denser, being replaced by connective tissue. In the second, the size of the ovary decreases slowly, small cysts are detected in it, while the function of androgen synthesis (male sex hormones) is partially preserved.
Symptoms
In postmenopause they occur hormonal changes, which affect not only the ovaries and uterus, but also other organs, which is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Hot flashes
It is a sudden feeling of uncomfortable heat that occurs unexpectedly and usually affects the upper body. Hot flashes are often accompanied by rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, headache, weakness, or a feeling of shortness of breath. How to alleviate this condition, we...
Hot flashes are caused by hormonal imbalance. The faster menstruation stops, with a short premenopausal period, the more pronounced it is.
- Night sweats
This symptom is also observed only at the beginning of the postmenopausal period. It can be well expressed when sweat soaks not only the nightgown, but also the bed linen. Hormonal medications help cope with this and other symptoms.
- Weight fluctuations
In the first few years of postmenopause, women usually gain weight, and this is due to the internal (visceral) fat surrounding them. internal organs. This increases the rate of progression of atherosclerosis and heart and lung diseases. In later life, usually after age 70, body weight begins to decline. This is largely due to bone loss - osteoporosis. Reducing height and weight elderly woman should be a reason to consult a doctor to identify and treat osteoporosis and prevent fractures.
- Insomnia
In postmenopause, sleep often suffers greatly. A woman may suffer from insomnia and hardly sleep. The body reacts to such stress by increasing blood pressure, disrupting the functioning of the brain, heart and other health problems.
- Vaginal dryness
As the synthesis of estrogen completely ceases, the physiological signs characteristic of the reproductive period and aimed at facilitating conception decrease. Therefore, dryness in the vagina and atrophy of its walls occurs. Women often complain of itching and pain during sexual intercourse, which reduces their quality of life.
Increased vulnerability of the vaginal walls during its atrophy causes discharge. They are irregular, scanty, in the form of traces of blood.
- Stress urinary incontinence
Due to a decrease in estrogen levels in the blood, the strength of the bladder muscles decreases. During any physical activity, the circular muscle (sphincter) does not close tightly enough, and this occurs. The same symptom occurs when coughing, sneezing or laughing. Urological disorders appear 2-5 years after the onset of postmenopause in 40% of women. In older patients they occur in 70% of cases. Urogenital disorders may be accompanied by weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and prolapse of the pelvic organs.
- Hair loss
Hair follicles are very sensitive to the level of sex hormones. Therefore, natural hair loss and thinning of the remaining hair occurs. This symptom develops over the next few years after the cessation of menstruation.
How long do postmenopausal symptoms last?
Usually they last no longer than 2-3 years after the cessation of menstruation, since hormonal function later completely fades away. They are not observed in all women, but only in 30-50% of them.
What diseases can develop?
Among the diseases whose risk increases during postmenopause are: highest value have arterial hypertension, osteoporosis and malignant tumors.
- An increase in blood pressure is due to the fact that hormonal changes increase the sensitivity of the circulatory system to the concentration of sodium ions. Their retention in the body leads to excess fluid in the blood and hypertension. Also, in the absence of hormonal protection, the progression of vascular atherosclerosis accelerates. As a result, the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and heart failure increases. After menopause, the frequency of heart attacks gradually begins to increase, and by the age of 70, the ratio of affected men to women becomes 1:1.
- Up to 40% of postmenopausal women are at risk of osteoporosis. This disease is caused by the loss of calcium from bone tissue, which makes bones more fragile. Therefore, the risk of fractures increases. In the late period, spontaneous fractures of the vertebral bodies are observed, which acquire a wedge-shaped shape or are compressed. As a result, curvature of the spine occurs. An accidental fall may result in a fracture of the femoral neck or wrist area. Such fractures occur in 36% of women aged 65 years. You can read more about this disease.
- The postmenopausal period increases the risk of developing malignant tumors of the cervix, ovaries and uterus. These are common causes of intrauterine bleeding in postmenopause. If a woman develops profuse watery or brown discharge from the genital tract, she should consult a doctor immediately.
Can the mammary glands swell during this period?
Normally this should not happen. Swelling and enlargement of the gland can be one of the symptoms of a malignant tumor.
To avoid these and other diseases, a woman should pay special attention to her health after the cessation of menstruation. It is necessary to regularly visit a gynecologist and therapist and receive information from doctors about ways to prevent these diseases, and, if necessary, begin treatment.
Postmenopause promotes regression (reverse development) of diseases such as uterine fibroids, endometrial hyperplasia, endometriosis, dysfunctional uterine bleeding. The persistence or progression of these diseases requires careful examination to identify hormone-producing ovarian tumors.
When to visit a doctor
In addition to regular medical examinations, there are situations when you need to see a doctor unscheduled:
- irregular or infrequent menstruation after 40 years of age;
- hot flashes and night sweats;
- sudden weight gain or loss;
- severe vaginal dryness, causing discomfort;
- insomnia and hair loss;
- mood swings, emotional instability;
- pain during sexual intercourse;
- high blood pressure;
- urinary incontinence;
- vaginal discharge and pain in the lower abdomen.
How to relieve postmenopausal symptoms
In addition to regular visits to the gynecologist and therapist, it is necessary to donate blood annually to determine the level of sugar, cholesterol and calcium. This will help you notice the progression of dangerous diseases in time.
What you can do yourself:
- Lifestyle change
It is necessary to follow a regime that will help maintain health. At the same time, unpleasant symptoms will decrease. A good night's sleep is essential. You should avoid prolonged work and excessive physical activity, smoking, and drinking alcohol. It is advisable to learn techniques to relieve stress and anxiety.
- Nutrition
The diet should be varied. Green vegetable salads, fresh fruits, carrots, citrus fruits, and legumes are healthy. The diet must include dairy products, cottage cheese, and cheese. You need to eat fish twice a week, choose olive oil and limit your salt intake.
Losing weight by even 5-10% significantly reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
- Exercise
Yoga is very useful for postmenopausal women. Breathing exercises help relieve stress, also provide cardio exercise, muscle stretching, strengthening bones, restoring normal blood pressure, and maintaining the desired weight. Walking at a moderate pace is also beneficial.
Regular exercise reduces not only mortality from cardiovascular diseases, but also the overall mortality rate. Physical activity improves hormonal balance, muscle strength, mental abilities, and reduces the incidence of fractures, colon and breast cancer, and stroke.
The total training time should be 150 minutes per week.
- Cotton underwear
Using underwear made from natural materials will help you better cope with hot flashes or sweating.
Diagnostics
In the normal course of postmenopause, in-depth diagnostics are usually not required. In some cases, a blood test is prescribed to measure the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol. In addition, for differential diagnosis it is useful to take a thyroid-stimulating hormone test to assess the functioning of the thyroid gland, since the symptoms of hypothyroidism can mimic the onset of hypothyroidism.
To assess the condition of the internal genital organs, it is recommended to regularly undergo ultrasound examination of the ovaries and uterus. Deviation of indicators from the norm may become early sign oncological disease. The normal thickness of the endometrium in the postmenopausal period according to ultrasound is less than 5 mm.
Treatment
Normal postmenopause does not require treatment. It is necessary to pay attention to the relief of unpleasant symptoms and the prevention or treatment of chronic diseases that can arise with age. Any medications for postmenopause should be prescribed by a doctor. These could be the following:
Hormone therapy
Most effective option Treatment to relieve symptoms in early postmenopause (first 5 years) - the use of estrogens. These hormones can be used in very low doses. If the uterus is preserved, it is necessary to add progestins. In addition to relieving symptoms, hormone treatment helps prevent osteoporosis. Long-term hormonal therapy (more than 3 years) reduces the risk of malignant tumors of the genital organs, and also helps a woman maintain youthful skin and beautiful hair longer. For this purpose, Proginova-21, Gynodian depot and other medications are used to ensure a constant supply of active substances without cyclic changes.
To reduce vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence, estrogens can be administered intravaginally using suppositories, creams, etc.
Low doses of antidepressants
Drugs from the group of serotonin reuptake inhibitors help get rid of hot flashes and emotional disturbances. Low doses of these medications will be useful for those women who, for some reason, cannot receive hormonal therapy. To date, the only approved drug for the treatment of early postmenopausal symptoms is Paroxetine.
Drugs for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis
The choice of remedy depends on the severity of the pathology. For prevention, your doctor may recommend supplements containing calcium and vitamin D. However, to most effectively prevent bone fragility, they should be taken early in order to accumulate a sufficient reserve of bone strength by the postmenopausal period. In case of already developed osteoporosis, treatment is carried out according to generally accepted regimens using bisphosphonates, strontium drugs, raloxifene and denosumab. The processes of bone tissue destruction should not be left to chance, because modern medicine offers many treatment regimens for this dangerous disease, which often leads to disability.
Treatment options and the need for drugs should be reviewed annually, since the patient’s body condition is constantly changing throughout postmenopause. If necessary, medications are prescribed to treat atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hypertension. In case of severe urinary incontinence or genital prolapse, plastic surgery is indicated, and in the event of the development of a malignant process, appropriate treatment by an oncologist.
Treatment with non-hormonal drugs
It does not have a significant effect on the course of postmenopause, but can be used in combination with proper nutrition and way of life. We are talking here about herbal remedies with a hormonal-like effect. There are 2 main types of phytoestrogens - isoflavones and lignans. Isoflavones are found mainly in legumes. Lignans are found in flaxseed and whole grain cereals, as well as some fruits and vegetables. Isoflavones should not be used by women who have had breast cancer.
The ability of these drugs to alleviate postmenopausal symptoms has not been proven in international studies. Russian scientists believe that preparations based on black cohosh and red clover reduce the severity of mild to moderate symptoms by 50%.
Herbal infusions based on sage will help relieve postmenopausal symptoms. However, they should be used with caution in patients with hypertension and epilepsy.
The latest ways to eliminate postmenopausal symptoms
Low-dose agents have been developed for oral and cutaneous administration, which have minimal side effects, while maintaining the positive effects of hormone replacement therapy:
- selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) of the latest generation, for example, ospemifene for the treatment of severe urogenital disorders;
- tissue-specific estrogen complex - a combination of SERM bazedoxifene and conjugated equine estrogens; this combination has the effect of hormone therapy, but at the same time bazedoxifene protects the endometrium from hyperplasia and other side effects hormones.
Cellular technologies with intravenous or subcutaneous injection of stem cells are being actively studied:
- the use of neuronal stem cells helps activate the work nervous system, prevents age-related changes in intelligence;
- the use of mesenchymal stem cells has already shown good results: they activate the heart, increase the elasticity of blood vessels, improve metabolism in cartilage tissue and bones, and promote the renewal of skin cells.
Most women are concerned with the questions: what is postmenopause and when does it occur, what symptoms will it occur, what is normal, and what signs may indicate the presence of pathology? You need to know in advance what to prepare for and what means to alleviate your condition.
Menopause is an inevitable process that occurs in a woman’s body. It is associated with the end of the reproductive period and a gradual reduction in the production of sex hormones. Many women equate menopause with aging, but this is far from true, because the menopause lasts three decades and does not occur instantly. If you recognize the onset of menopause in time, then by adjusting your lifestyle and diet, you can significantly reduce the symptoms of hormone deficiency.
Endocrine changes are mainly associated with a lack of estrogen production - these are the main female sex hormones. The peculiarity of estrogens is that they ensure not only the normal functioning of the genital organs, but also affect the entire body:
- skin condition worsens;
- psycho-emotional state is disturbed;
- obesity develops;
- estrogens prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques in the blood;
- participate in the liver's production of blood clotting factors.
It is because of the lack of estrogen that women experience rather unpleasant menopausal symptoms.
The main stages of menopause
Menopause cannot be identified with menopause - it is a long period that begins 5–7 years before the cessation of menstruation and ends 10–15 years after the last menstruation. The onset and duration of menopause varies from woman to woman. However, there are average time intervals that doctors measure by.
Premenopause
Premenopause – 45–50 years. During this period, a decrease in the production of sex hormones and disruption of the menstrual cycle are characteristic. At this time, a woman may feel:
- flushing of the face, fever, increased sweating. This occurs because the blood circulation in the body changes;
- psycho-emotional changes that may manifest themselves increased excitability, uncontrolled aggression, frequent mood swings, tearfulness, emotional depression;
- weight gain occurs due to an increase in fat layers and muscle tissue atrophy.
Timely hormonal correction and lifestyle changes during this period will help alleviate the symptoms of menopause and prevent the occurrence of more serious problems during menopause.
If a woman does not menstruate for 12 months, this is evidence that menopause has occurred. At this time, the main symptoms characteristic of premenopause remain, and new ones may arise:
- decreased sexual desire;
- vaginal atrophy – dryness, burning appears, inflammation may occur;
- urinary disturbance. Urinary incontinence can occur at night, or under strong mechanical pressure, for example, during coughing attacks;
- obesity - tissues lose sensitivity to insulin, as a result the pancreas begins to produce it in greater volumes in order to maintain normal blood glucose levels. And insulin is the hormone that promotes the accumulation of fat, especially in the waist and abdomen.
Postmenopause
Postmenopause is a long period that begins after the final cessation of menstruation. The ovaries completely lose their functions, there is an acute deficiency of hormones, which leads to dysfunction of the estrogen-dependent genital organs:
- uterus;
- vagina;
- mammary glands;
- vulva.
As well as other systems:
- musculoskeletal;
- cardiovascular.
Main signs of postmenopause
How to understand when postmenopause occurs, what will happen to the body, what symptoms will appear? Such questions concern women after 40 years. The main sign that postmenopause has arrived is a prolonged, more than 12 months, absence of menstruation. The woman will not miss this stage; moreover, she will already be prepared both mentally and physically, since it was preceded by two periods of menopause.
Postmenopause is conventionally divided into two stages:
- early – up to 55 years;
- late – up to 65 years.
In the early period, there may be such manifestations of menopause as:
- urogenital disorders;
- changes in the skin.
Due to hormone deficiency, the mucous membrane of the vagina and vulva becomes thinner, it becomes vulnerable to infectious aggression and various mechanical injuries, so at this time a woman may develop:
- vaginitis;
- urethritis;
- cystitis.
Absence normal microflora can provoke local dysbiotic disorders that lead to inflammation of the mucous membrane. In this case, the woman will notice the appearance of atypical vaginal discharge, bleeding, and ichor.
In early postmenopause, patients are often diagnosed with benign neoplasms:
- polyps;
- uterine fibroids;
- serous cyst.
The occurrence of such diseases is caused by hyperplastic changes in the endometrium - this is the growth of the inner layer of the uterus locally or along the entire perimeter.
Changes in postmenopause appearance women: the skin loses collagen fibers and ceases to retain fluid, deep wrinkles appear, dry skin, and elasticity decreases. In addition to the skin, nails also suffer, which become thin and brittle, and hair, which also thins and falls out.
Symptoms of the late stage of postmenopause
The most unpleasant consequences of menopause can occur in women after 55 years of age. As a result of endocrine changes, the following develops:
- osteoporosis - calcium is washed out of the bones, they become brittle, and the risk of fracture increases even from a minor bruise. The most vulnerable place in the skeleton is the femoral neck. And the resulting bone fractures heal for a long time and painfully;
- cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension and coronary heart disease can occur at a younger age, however, the peak of such incidence occurs precisely in postmenopause;
- atherosclerosis – excessive deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels. A lack of estrogen leads to a buildup of cholesterol, which can accumulate into plaques and travel through the bloodstream. Due to the accumulation of plaques, internal organs do not receive enough oxygen, and their normal functioning is disrupted;
- Weight gain is the most common symptom of postmenopause and can lead to the development of diabetes;
- Impaired hearing, vision, memory and other neurological diseases arise from a lack of estrogen. On this basis, Alzheimer's disease may begin to develop.
It should be noted that in women who were attentive to their health and led a correct lifestyle, menopause passes without serious consequences. Pronounced symptoms are observed in only 35% of women.
Early onset of menopause
If a woman stops menstruating at the age of 40, then we can talk about the early onset of menopause. If you experience premature menopause before age 40, it is caused by genetic predisposition and autoimmune diseases. Such cases are extremely rare and difficult to correct.
Reasons for early onset of menopause:
- gynecological operations of the ovaries, uterus, tubes and other pelvic organs;
- removal of the ovaries due to abdominal trauma or cancer;
- radiation therapy treatment. If a woman is exposed to radiation with a dose of 6 Gray or more, then irreversible damage to her ovaries will occur;
- treatment with chemotherapy drugs prescribed upon diagnosis oncological diseases various organs. Such drugs interfere with the growth of cells, including follicles;
- autoimmune diseases, when the body perceives certain organs as foreign and directs all its forces to block their work.
Often the reasons for the early onset of menopause are:
- poor nutrition;
- obesity;
- smoking, taking alcoholic beverages and drugs;
- frequent stress;
- lack of healthy sleep.
For many women, the causes of early menopause remain unclear.
At the first signs of menopause, you should immediately contact a gynecologist-endocrinologist who will conduct an examination and prescribe necessary tests in order to find out the reasons for the early onset of menopause. If the cause is hormonal imbalance, then it can be easily corrected with replacement therapy and prolong reproductive age women.
Normal hormone levels during postmenopause
There are no clear hormone levels that should be observed in a postmenopausal woman. There is an acute deficiency of estrogen - they are now produced only by the adrenal glands and pituitary gland in small quantities. Hormones of the estrogen group are distinguished by their interconversion; this occurs in an extraglandular way - in various tissues of the body. For example, estradiol is converted to estrone or vice versa. The main source of estrogen in a postmenopausal woman is adipose tissue, which previously accumulated these hormones.
Since during menopause the ovaries have no follicles at all, the growth of FSH and LH increases significantly. The level of follicle-stimulating hormone increases by 15–25 times, and luteinizing hormone by 3–5 times. The uneven increase in these hormones is explained by different periods of elimination from the body, as well as the lack of inhibin, a peptide that suppresses FSH activity. The maximum content of FSH and LH in a woman’s blood is observed in the first three years of menopause, then their amount gradually decreases.
Table of normal levels of some hormones in postmenopause, necessary so that menopausal symptoms are not pronounced:
The level of male sex hormones - androgens - decreases slightly, by about 15%, and in some cases an increase may be observed. In this case, the woman will show signs of hirsutism:
- male-type hair growth on the body and face;
- deepening of the voice;
- increased sweating;
- sleep disturbance.
This disease can only be combated with the help of hormonal drugs.
Treatment during postmenopause
If the answer to the question of what postmenopause is is received, then you should next understand ways to reduce the unpleasant symptoms of menopause.
There are several ways to improve the general condition of the body:
- non-hormonal drugs that help restore the nervous system. These include neurotropic drugs and antidepressants;
- reception vitamin complexes. Vitamins of group B, as well as C, E, D and calcium are especially necessary during this period;
- taking phytohormones - these are drugs based on plant extracts, they promote the synthesis of estrogens, for example, Feminal, Estrovel, Klimaktoplan, Klimadinon, Remens;
- hormonal therapy. Treatment of the consequences of menopause with the help of replacement therapy is individual, the regimen is prescribed by an endocrinologist. Most often, Dermestril, Ovestin, Klimara, Divina, Livial, Klimonorm are used for therapy.
To relieve the symptoms of postmenopause, there are many folk recipes based on taking decoctions of herbs such as:
- St. John's wort (for strong and frequent hot flashes);
- ginseng (with severe stress and emotional stress);
- licorice (to stimulate the production of your own estrogens);
- meadow clover (contains many phytoestrogens);
- sage (to normalize heart rate);
- Turnera (natural aphrodisiac).
To eliminate the main symptoms of menopause, you need to spend more time in the fresh air, sleep at night, and eat right. Should be included in the diet:
- flax seeds, sesame seeds - they are rich in phytoestrogens;
- broccoli;
- green beans;
- wheat;
- pistachios;
- dried dates.
Excessive physical activity, even sports, helps reduce estrogen levels, so they need to be reduced.
All women experience menopause sooner or later. Many people think that after their periods stop they will have to suffer from hot flashes and mood swings for the rest of their days. However, such unpleasant symptoms of menopause will not last forever. About a year after the cessation of the last menstruation, the so-called postmenopausal period will begin.
Symptoms of the postmenopausal period
In order to understand what postmenopause is in women, it is necessary to understand the main stages of the decline of reproductive function. There are three main stages of menopause:
Premenopause.
It begins immediately several years before the cessation of menstruation. During this time, estrogen production slowly decreases.
Menopause.
This stage lasts about a year after your period stops.
Postmenopause.
This period lasts until the end of a woman's life and begins approximately 12-15 months after the end of her last menstrual period.
In most cases, along with the onset of postmenopause, all the unpleasant symptoms of menopause gradually disappear. In rare cases, in the first 2-3 years after the start of the final stage, rare hot flashes may appear.
Possible symptoms of postmenopause:
Depression.
Most women get used to the idea of approaching old age during menopause. Depression that has lasted for several years should be a reason to consult a psychotherapist.
.An insufficient amount of natural lubricant will accompany a woman for the rest of her life. You can change the situation with the help of special water-soluble lubricants.
.The cessation of menstruation does not always mean a complete cessation of discharge. Due to the thinning of the vaginal walls, a woman may notice droplets of blood after having sex. But if they develop heavy bleeding, you need to apply for medical care.
Size of ovaries, uterus and hormone levels during postmenopause
As for physical symptoms, with the onset of postmenopause there is a significant decrease in the size of the uterus and ovaries. Normally, the height of the uterus is 4-6 centimeters, width: 5-6 cm, and the thickness of the endometrium is 12-14 mm.
Uterus.With the onset of menopause, the uterus will gradually shrink. Approximately 5-6 years after diagnosis of postmenopause, the height of the uterus will be 3 centimeters and width: 1.5-2 centimeters. The thickness of the endometrium will decrease to 5 mm.
Ovaries.
Also during postmenopause, there is a significant reduction in ovarian volume. During the reproductive period, the volume of healthy glands is 5.5-5.7 cm3. But after the ovarian reserve is depleted, the ovaries will shrink by about half. The size can be 2.5-3.5 cm3.
Hormonal background.
Since menopause itself is the result of a sharp change in hormonal levels, it is necessary to know the norms for the main hormones. Monthly ovulation and menstruation are directly dependent on the production of three main hormones (estradiol, estrone and estriol), which are collectively called estrogens.
The most significant of the estrogen trio is estradiol. U healthy woman the normal estradiol level is in the range: 68-1655 pmol/l (depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle). Along with the onset of postmenopause, the amount of this hormone does not exceed 70 pmol/l.
The amount of progesterone is also checked. During menopause, the rate is consistently low and does not exceed 0.6 nmol/l. It is a sharp decrease in progesterone that leads to muscle weakness.
Along with a decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels, the amount of testosterone also decreases (0.5-1.2 nmol/l). Low testosterone levels can cause decreased libido.
But the level of follicle-stimulating hormone, on the contrary, increases. Depending on how long postmenopause lasts, the values will be in the range of 19 - 100 mIU/ml.
What diseases can be accompanied by postmenopause?
After the onset of menopause, the body weakens. Hormonal imbalance and the natural process of wear and tear of the body leads to the development of various diseases. Most often, women over 50 are diagnosed with:
Osteoporosis.
This disease weakens bone tissue, leading to an increased risk of fractures.
.Constant surges in blood pressure caused by hormonal changes initial stage menopause, can lead to the development of chronic hypertension. If, as a result of hormonal imbalance, weight has also increased, then the woman may additionally begin to suffer from varicose veins.
Diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Chronic hypertension leads to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Neuroses.
Nervous breakdowns, prolonged depression.
Infections of the genitourinary system.
In any case, the transition to postmenopause does not mean that a woman will develop all of the above diseases.
How to support the body during postmenopause?
Postmenopause in women may not manifest itself in any way. However, to avoid complications, you must adhere to certain rules. Women who want to relieve or even eliminate uncomfortable postmenopausal symptoms have several treatment options available.
Firstly, you need to radically change your daily lifestyle. It is recommended to regularly engage in active sports, including running, race walking, tennis and swimming. These will help maintain muscle tone and normalize blood pressure.
Secondly, it is necessary to reconsider the diet. The menu should consist of foods rich in a full spectrum of vitamins and nutrients. During the postmenopausal period, it is important to consume foods with a high content of phytoestrogens, including:
- Soybean sprouts;
- Flax seeds;
- Wheat, oat and barley flakes;
- Nuts;
- Pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
Following these recommendations will help avoid complications. If postmenopause is accompanied by rare hot flashes, then you can resort to folk medicine. Women are recommended to drink (ginseng, angelica, black cohosh). You can make decoctions yourself, or buy ready-made dietary supplements.
The main disadvantage of the above herbs is that their use for too long leads to a decrease in the production of natural estrogen. Phytoestrogens only compensate for the lack of hormones, but do not in any way affect the restoration of ovarian functionality.
At the very beginning of postmenopause, it is better to use herbs that stimulate the body to produce its own estrogen (fennel, basil). These herbs are very easy to purchase and incorporate into your daily diet.
But if lifestyle changes and folk remedies have no effect on a woman’s body, then it is recommended to consult an endocrinologist to prescribe medications.
Based on the results of the hormonogram, the specialist will select the optimal amount of synthetic hormones. The duration of the course of hormone replacement therapy depends on the woman’s age.
If unpleasant symptoms of postmenopause appear in a patient who has reached 75 years of age, then the introduction of synthetic hormones may be inappropriate. This is due to the fact that hormone replacement therapy significantly increases the risk of developing cancer. The weakened body of an elderly woman simply will not be able to adequately respond to the introduction of hormones.
Why is it important to regularly visit a gynecologist even during postmenopause?
Despite the fact that postmenopause means a complete decline in reproductive function, you should not cancel visits to the gynecologist. Only a doctor will be able to identify and prevent any deviations in time. Postmenopausal women must be prescribed:
- Physical examination (twice a year);
- Taking smears (once a year);
- Mammography (once a year).
If osteoporosis is suspected, a bone density scan (densitometry) is prescribed.
If postmenopause has already been determined, then you need to prepare for the fact that no treatment will be able to resume menstruation. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and undergoing medical examinations will help improve general condition health of the genitourinary system.
Unfortunately, everything in our world ages over time. This also applies to the beautiful half of our humanity. As a woman ages, her body undergoes changes. Postmenopause is a natural process that occurs after a certain stage of life. It is very important at such a moment to understand and accept the physiological transformations occurring inside the body in order to be able to maintain your health for many years to come.
The concept of postmenopause - what is it?
Postmenopause is a period of time in a woman’s life, starting from the end of her last menstrual cycle until the end of her life. This is the final stage - the decline of childbearing function. The age at which this period begins is different for all women and depends on many factors, for example, for some women, postmenopause occurs already at 40 years old, for others only at 55. One way or another, any woman faces this sooner or later.
The main cause of postmenopause is changes in the reproductive system. The amount of hormones produced by the pituitary gland, adrenal glands and ovaries is reduced. The body's resources are depleted and a lack of necessary substances appears. This applies to the greatest extent to the ovaries.
The most important hormone in a woman’s body, estradiol, ceases to be produced, as does progesterone. This leads to increased concentrations of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). And as a result of such changes, it becomes impossible to renew the uterine mucosa. Menstruation becomes less and less frequent, and at some point stops altogether.
Symptoms and signs
Symptoms of postmenopause are somewhat similar to, only slightly weakened. There are quite a lot of symptoms, which are associated with changes in hormones that have a strong effect on the human body. These signs are:
- Increase in body weight. It all depends on the hormone estrogen, as it becomes less, the body tries to replenish it. Therefore, even if a woman’s diet and rhythm of life do not change, more fat is deposited. After all, it is adipose tissue, in addition to the ovaries, that is capable of producing estrogens.
- Urinary incontinence. This symptom can also be a consequence of postmenopause in women. The reason is also a decrease in estrogen. This hormone keeps the bladder walls toned, making them more elastic. Due to the decrease in hormones, they lose their elasticity and weaken.
- Discomfort in the vagina. The reduction of collagen, a protein that makes up the cervix and vagina, makes the genital lining drier. The vagina loses its previous tone, and its walls may sag. All this causes discomfort.
- Insomnia and sudden mood changes. They usually appear at the beginning of menopause and persist over time. During postmenopausal women, these symptoms become less pronounced. However, increased irritability, touchiness, and mood swings may remain.
- . A condition when blood rushes to the face, neck, hands. A feeling of heat appears. On average it does not last more than 2-5 minutes.
- Loss of bone tissue's former strength. A physical injury that would previously have resulted in a minor bruise can lead to a fracture. This occurs due to calcium deficiency, which occurs due to problems with its absorption.
These are the main symptoms and signs that appear during postmenopause. It is important to be able to interpret them, not to worry, and to take control of this natural process. The postmenopausal period should not darken your life in any way.
Discharges - what are they?
It is important to monitor the discharge during. Changes in the genitals make the vaginal microflora less protected from various infections. Due to changes in the work in the cervix, the volume of mucus secreted is reduced.
Control and special attention paid to discharge are very important. The norm is a clear mucous discharge, reminiscent of rice broth, which does not cause any trouble and has no odor.
If the excreted mucus is opaque and has bad smell, accompanied by pain or discomfort, these may be the causes of any disease. It is also important to monitor for various formations - polyps, which may appear as a result of negative development of the endometrium.
At what age does it start and how long does it last?
As noted above, the age of a woman when she fades away reproductive function, can be quite different. Such symptoms are not too obvious and may be signs of other diseases or stress. Postmenopause in medicine is considered the period of time that begins from the end of a woman’s last menstruation, in the absence of them for a year or more.
The normal age for postmenopause is 45 years. It can occur at an earlier age due to genetic characteristics or hormonal imbalances, but this happens quite rarely. For some diseases, doctors are forced to artificially stop menstruation.
Postmenopause in women is the last stage of transition, preceded by menopause and premenopause. The average age of postmenopause is 51 years.
How long does postmenopause last? - Until the end of life - this is the final stage.
Possible complications in postmenopause
Unfortunately, postmenopause can cause some damage to a woman’s body due to all sorts of changes. Therefore, if a woman has not had her period for a long time, she needs to undergo examinations that will confirm the onset of postmenopause and prevent undesirable consequences.
These consequences include:
- osteoporosis - leaching of calcium from bones;
- Cardiovascular diseases;
- atherosclerosis - excessive deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels;
- diseases of the genital organs;
- hearing, vision, memory and other neurological diseases.
If you monitor your health and monitor it with a doctor, then all these consequences can be avoided. It is important to undergo examinations at least once every six months. Monitor your blood pressure. Do a mammogram, ultrasound of the genital organs. You can also conduct an independent breast examination, which will help identify formations and various changes, which will allow you to consult a doctor in time.
Taking care of your health, consulting doctors and following their advice will make the postmenopausal period easier. This will allow you to maintain your physiological and psychological health and prevent serious complications, ensuring many more years of a happy life.
Maintaining the body
It is very important to understand that life after menopause is not complete. A woman is not a machine for producing children, therefore the reproductive function is not the only, although certainly important, task of a woman.
This stage in a woman’s life also has advantages. You can spend more time on yourself and change your life and the lives of others in better side. Health problems can occur at any age, and all you need to do is follow some rules that will help you cope with everything:
- Food. It is best to eliminate fatty foods from your diet. It is harmful to the body at absolutely any age. Reducing it will not only improve your well-being, but also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Give preference to fruits and vegetables, as well as dairy products. this will significantly improve your health;
- Physical activity. Active rest and light physical activity will only strengthen your body. You should not limit yourself due to the risk of fractures. A passive lifestyle, on the contrary, will only increase it. And walking, swimming, yoga, aerobics or gymnastics will help strengthen your muscles, ligaments, joints and bone tissue;
- Sex. - This is a great way to relieve stress at any age. Decline negative emotions and getting pleasure will prolong both youth and improve psychological well-being.
There are also more specific methods that simplify the life of a postmenopausal woman.
HRT
Folk remedies
- St. John's wort infusion. Reduces emotional manifestations and normalizes blood supply;
- Ginseng decoction will eliminate stress and fatigue;
- Licorice infusion stimulates its own estrogenic activity and helps strengthen bone tissue;
- will give sound sleep and will help restore heart rhythm.
Absolutely every woman has to face postmenopause. The main thing to remember is that this process is natural and with the help of doctors, modern medicine, proper lifestyle and folk remedies, it can be significantly relieved and easily survived. The main thing is not to lose heart and follow the advice of experts. This will keep you healthy and allow you to enjoy life and give joy to others for many years to come.
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