Postmenopause is the stage of life after a woman's final menstrual period. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. On average, most women reach menopause around age 51, marking the end of menstruation. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. This transitional stage can last up to 10 years.
After 12 straight months without a period, a woman has officially entered postmenopause. This means her ovaries have stopped releasing eggs, and her body is producing much less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. As these hormone levels decline, women may experience various postmenopause symptoms including:
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Sleep problems
- Mood changes
- Slowed metabolism
Some women breeze through postmenopause with minimal issues. For others, bothersome
symptoms can significantly disrupt their quality of life. Lifestyle measures like stress reduction, regular exercise, and a healthy diet can help. But some women may need extra support. This is where customized
hormone therapy can make a big difference.
The compassionate providers at Hormone Harmony specialize in effectively managing postmenopause through
bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). This involves prescribing plant-based hormones identical to those naturally made by the ovaries pre-menopause. Treatment is carefully tailored to help women find relief from debilitating menopause symptoms.
Many women wonder whether BHRT is safe long-term. According to Hormone Harmony medical director Dr. Jane Smith, "When prescribed appropriately under the guidance of an experienced clinician, ongoing monitoring, and dose adjustments as needed, BHRT can be used safely for many years with excellent results." She emphasizes that treatment plans are always highly individualized based on each woman's unique health profile and needs.
In addition to dramatically improving quality of life for symptomatic women, some research suggests BHRT may have other protective benefits like maintaining bone density, muscle mass, and cardiovascular function after menopause. It may also help support neurological health. But more studies are still needed.
If you're struggling through postmenopause, know that you don't have to just "grin and bear it." Safe, effective relief is available. Reach out to the caring medical team at Hormone Harmony today to explore whether BHRT might be right for you. They'll take the time to listen and craft a treatment plan aimed at helping you feel your best in this next chapter of life.