What Age Is Postmenopausal? Preparing Yourself for “The Change”

You may have heard nightmare stories of hot flashes and night sweats, but the truth is that menopause is a natural process, and symptoms can be successfully controlled. However, we’ve found that our patients are sometimes unsure about what age is postmenopausal.

That’s why we wanted to examine some useful information in this blog where we tackle some of the most common questions we get about postmenopause.

At Chapel Hill OBGYN, we care for women through all of life’s stages, whether they’re having their first baby or they have entered menopause. We’ve gained a reputation of excellence, consistently earning awards for our approach to compassionate, patient-centered care. If you’re having menopausal symptoms, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with us. We would consider it a privilege to be your medical home. 

What Age Is Postmenopausal?

There is no one definite age at which postmenopause begins, but on average, it occurs around age 52. However, it’s not unusual for women to experience postmenopause between the ages of 45 and 55.

The beginning of postmenopause is related to your period.

Postmenopausal means you’ve not had a period for 12 months. It marks the end of your reproductive years.

How Do I Prepare Myself for Postmenopause?

Preparing for this life change involves many of the health habits we recommend on a regular basis. These include:

• Eating a nutritious, balanced diet
• Managing your stress levels
• Getting enough sleep
• Participating in regular exercise

What Health Risks Are Associated With Postmenopause?

However, that being said, postmenopause brings up some other health issues of which you should be aware. These include:

A higher risk of:

• Osteoporosis 
• Cardiovascular disease
• Becoming overweight or obese due to metabolism changes
• Changes in cholesterol and blood pressure

This is why we encourage our postmenopausal patients to schedule regular appointments with us so we can help safeguard their health.

What Are Symptoms of Postmenopause?

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

• Vaginal dryness
• Painful sex
• Night sweats
• Low libido
• Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
• Depression
• Weight gain
• Hair loss
• Urinary incontinence
• “Brain fog”

How Are Postmenopausal Symptoms Treated?

Every woman is different, and while some experience intense symptoms, others may have milder issues. Therefore, we evaluate your individual situation to create a treatment plan that is both safe and effective. 

We’ll review some common postmenopausal treatments:

• Hormone replacement therapy is a common and effective way to manage your symptoms, but it isn’t for everyone. There are risks and benefits that we will discuss with you if this is an option. 
• Complementary and alternative medicine does show effectiveness in certain studies, but not all of these products have the scientific evidence to back up their claims. We can help you determine if this is the right path for you, as well as gauge its effectiveness.
• Nonhormonal prescription medications such as some antidepressants or gabapentin can present solutions. In certain cases, they can reduce hot flashes by 50% to 70%. 

How Are Postmenopausal Symptoms Different from Menopause Symptoms?

These two conditions share a lot of similar symptoms. The main differences are:

Menopausal symptoms may be more intense: While many of these symptoms carry over into postmenopause, often, they are milder. However, this is not always the case.

Because there can be so much variation among women, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us. We want to be your guide during this often-confusing time. We’ve helped thousands of women in our roles as OBGYNs in Chapel Hill and Durham. Please feel free to reach out and contact us with any questions.

Do I Still Need a Pap Smear After Menopause?

We get this question a lot. After women discover what age is postmenopausal, they often ask if a Pap smear is still necessary. The short answer is yes.

As you age, your risk for developing cervical cancer increases, and you’re at greatest risk between the ages of 50 and above. So it’s still an important screening. 

However, if you’re over 65 and have never had an abnormal Pap smear, please speak with us. If you’ve had no abnormal changes, you may not need Pap smears. However, this is decided on a case by case basis, examining your medical test results and your family history. 

Do NOT discontinue Pap smears without speaking to a member of our healthcare team first. 

We’re Your Guide Through Postmenopause and Beyond: Schedule an Appointment With Us Today

We know that “the change” can bring many questions. There’s also a lot of misinformation online about solutions for postmenopausal symptoms, and not all of them are safe or effective.

That’s why you need a team that is always looking out for your best interests as an individual. We believe in a customized approach to medicine, so you can rest assured that any treatment plan is specifically tailored to your needs.

Approaching menopause? Or are you already in postmenopause? Schedule an appointment so we can help you manage the challenges they present.