What is postmenopause?

Postmenopause is the stage of a woman's life that begins after she has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months, marking the end of her reproductive years. This phase is lifelong and follows perimenopause, the transitional period leading up to menopause.

What are common symptoms experienced during postmenopause?

While hot flashes and night sweats may decrease in frequency or severity, some women can still experience them. Other common symptoms include vaginal dryness, changes in libido, mood fluctuations, and sleep disturbances.

Are there any health risks associated with postmenopause?

Yes, after menopause, women have an increased risk for certain health conditions due to lower estrogen levels. These include osteoporosis, which weakens bones, and cardiovascular disease. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle are important for managing these risks.

How can postmenopausal symptoms be managed?

Management strategies for postmenopausal symptoms can range from lifestyle adjustments, such as diet and exercise, to medical interventions. Hormone therapy is one option that can be considered after discussing the risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.

When should I see a doctor about postmenopausal symptoms?

It is advisable to consult a doctor if you are experiencing bothersome postmenopausal symptoms that affect your quality of life. A healthcare provider can help assess your individual health needs and recommend appropriate management or treatment options.

Knowledge Graph · Condition

Postmenopause

The stage of life after menopause has been reached.

Authoritative sources

Evidence base

Position Statement · 2022 · Landmark
The 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society
Menopause · The NAMS 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement Advisory Panel
The most-cited modern clinical guideline: for most women in early menopause with bothersome symptoms, the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks.
Randomized Controlled Trial · 2004 · Landmark
Effects of Conjugated Equine Estrogen in Postmenopausal Women with Hysterectomy
JAMA · Anderson GL, Limacher M, Assaf AR, et al.
For women without a uterus, estrogen-only therapy showed a much more favorable risk profile than the combined therapy arm.
Randomized Controlled Trial · 2002 · Landmark
Risks and Benefits of Estrogen Plus Progestin in Healthy Postmenopausal Women
JAMA · Rossouw JE, Anderson GL, Prentice RL, et al. (Writing Group for the Women's Health Initiative)
The Women's Health Initiative was the landmark trial that reshaped how doctors prescribe hormone therapy after menopause. Later re-analyses showed the risk profile is very different for women who start HRT closer to menopause.
Meta-Analysis · 2025
Effect of Soy Isoflavones on Measures of Estrogenicity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) · Viscardi G, Back S, Ahmed A, Yang S, et al.
Meta-Analysis · 2024
The risk of depression in the menopausal stages: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Journal of affective disorders · Badawy Y, Spector A, Li Z, Desai R
Systematic Review · 2024
A systematic review on the impact of nutrition and possible supplementation on the deficiency of vitamin complexes, iron, omega-3-fatty acids, and lycopene in relation to increased morbidity in women after menopause
Archives of gynecology and obstetrics · Wylenzek F, Bühling KJ, Laakmann E
Meta-Analysis · 2024
Global prevalence of depression in menopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Journal of affective disorders · Jia Y, Zhou Z, Xiang F, Hu W, et al.
Systematic Review · 2023
Does menopause elevate the risk for developing depression and anxiety? Results from a systematic review
Australasian psychiatry : bulletin of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists · Alblooshi S, Taylor M, Gill N
Systematic Review · 2023
Effects of transdermal versus oral hormone replacement therapy in postmenopause: a systematic review
Archives of gynecology and obstetrics · Goldštajn MŠ, Mikuš M, Ferrari FA, Bosco M, et al.
Systematic Review · 2023
Supplementation of vitamin D isolated or calcium-associated with bone remodeling and fracture risk in postmenopausal women without osteoporosis: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.) · Reis AR, Santos RKF, Dos Santos CB, Santos BDC, et al.
Systematic Review · 2021
Hyaluronic Acid in Postmenopause Vaginal Atrophy: A Systematic Review
The journal of sexual medicine · Dos Santos CCM, Uggioni MLR, Colonetti T, Colonetti L, et al.

Where Postmenopause appears on Kindr Health

Data hub

Menopause Statisticsprimary topic

Wiki

Guide

This page is part of Kindr Health's public Knowledge Graph. Content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.