Postmenopausal

Postmenopause is the time after you’ve been without a menstrual period for 12 months. It lasts for the rest of your life. During this stage, menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, get milder or go away. People in postmenopause are at an increased risk for osteoporosis and heart disease. Medication or healthy lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of these conditions.

How long does postmenopause last?

Once you enter postmenopause, you’re in this stage for the rest of your life. Your hormone levels will remain low and you’ll no longer have a monthly period. You can’t get pregnant because your ovaries stop releasing eggs.

What age is postmenopause?

There isn’t an exact age for postmenopause. Once your period has been absent for more than one year, you’re in postmenopause regardless of age. On average, this happens around age 52.

What are the symptoms of postmenopause?

Many people in postmenopause feel lingering symptoms from menopause, although the symptoms are usually less intense. Lingering symptoms occur due to low levels of reproductive hormones. Some people have no symptoms in postmenopause.

If you have symptoms, some of the most common are:

• Hot flashes and night sweats.

• Vaginal dryness and pain during sex.

• Depression.

• Changes in sex drive (low libido).

• Insomnia.

• Dry skin.

• Weight changes.

• Hair loss.

• Urinary incontinence.

If your symptoms become more intense or interfere with your daily life, talk with your healthcare provider. They can recommend treatment or order tests to determine what may be causing your symptoms.