What's postmenopause?
You aren't exactly through the other side yet. The last leg on the menopause journey is actually two distinct stages.
“Postmenopause” sounds like being totally finished with menopause, doesn’t it? After all, postgrads have graduated; a postscript is the P.S. after a letter; postmodern art came in response to modernism. But when it comes to menopause, it turns out it’s not fully “over” just because it’s been a year since your last period.
Rather than being a monolith, postmenopause is divided into early postmenopause and late postmenopause — and each has unique symptoms and treatments.
What's postmenopause vs. menopause?
You may already know that menopause is defined as not having your period for 12 months. Confusingly, that’s also called postmenopause.
“The terms ‘menopause’ and ‘postmenopause’ are used interchangeably, and they’re the same thing,” says Dr. Stephanie Faubion, M.D., the director for the Centre for Women's Health at the Mayo Clinic, medical director for The Menopause Society, and member of the WeightWatchers Scientific Advisory Board.
If that’s throwing you off, you’re not alone. Entire papers have been written about the inconsistencies in the criteria and reporting of each stage of menopause, even in scientific research.
What are the phases of postmenopause?
Postmenopause is also subdivided into two categories: early postmenopause and late postmenopause, according to the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop (STRAW), which brings together the top researchers of reproductive aging in women.
Early postmenopause lasts approximately 5-8 years. After that span, you shift into late postmenopause, which is your phase for the rest of your life.
As more research emerges, it’s helping us rethink menopause not as a final destination, but as one stop on this weird journey of being a person with a body.
What can I expect in postmenopause?
During the first 1-2 years of early postmenopause, women are most likely to experience vasomotor symptoms, like hot flushes. The good news is while early postmenopause lasts approximately 5-8 years, symptoms tend to calm down as hormones like FSH and estradiol stabilise.
In late postmenopause, symptoms of vaginal dryness become increasingly prevalent, as well as urogenital atrophy (thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal and urinary tract tissues).
How can I treat my postmenopause symptoms?
For vasomotor symptoms, like hot flushes, in early menopause, menopause hormone therapy (MHT, commonly known as hormone replacement therapy or HRT), “is considered first line therapy for vasomotor symptoms,” says Faubion. This is most commonly administered via a patch. Check with your doctor or healthcare provider, to make sure you’re an appropriate candidate with no excess cardiovascular or breast cancer risk.
For the vaginal dryness and atrophy that is more common in late menopause, “we recommend low-dose local vaginal therapies when symptoms are limited to the genitourinary system,” says Faubion, such as topical creams, tablets, or rings that deliver estrogen directly to the vaginal tissue. Your doctor can help you determine the best option.
[{"type":"p","attributes":{"style":{"textAlign":"left"}},"typog":"bodycopyLarge","children":[{"italic":true,"text":""}]},{"type":"p","attributes":{"style":{"textAlign":"left"}},"typog":"bodycopyLarge","children":[{"italic":true,"text":"The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute individualised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be regarded as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health, a medical condition or treatment options."},{"type":"br"},{"text":""},{"type":"br"},{"text":""}]}]