1.5 Postmenopause: the hormones stop dancing

Postmenopause begins 6 months after your final period. “Post“ means “after”. Your body has accepted the hormonal changes. Oestrogen production drops significantly. Many women feel more assertive and decisive and have a better understanding of their needs now. In most cases, symptoms like hot flushes and sweating will subside. However, some symptoms can persist.

Common symptoms of postmenopause

• Dryness of mucous membranes, e.g. vaginal dryness. Some women experience pain or often have bladder infections. There are some over-the-counter medicines that you can buy at a pharmacy which may help with these conditions. Your doctor can prescribe creams, suppositories or pills which contain oestrogen.

• Osteoporosis or bone loss occurs more frequently.
  The hormone oestrogen protects bones. When the body produces less oestrogen, bone density decreases, increasing the risk of a fracture. You can get a bone density test from your doctor.

Practical tip:

Exercise, vitamin D and food containing calcium will strengthen the bones. Calcium is found in nuts, dairy products, soy, fish and green vegetables. Vitamin D can be produced by the body if it gets enough sunlight. Therefore, outdoor activities are very important.