Postmenopause

“Postmenopause is a term to describe
the time after you’ve gone through menopause.
When you’re in postmenopause (or postmenopausal)…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Postmenopause Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • After/Beyond Menopause
  • Postmenopausal
  • Post Menopause/Post-Menopause/Postmenopause

DefinitionPostmenopause

What is the definition of postmenopause?

DotS the definition of postmenopause may vary. The International Menopause Society’s (IMS) definition is:

“Postmenopause – the stage after the final menstrual period”.2

The Australasian Menopause Society’s definition is:

“When a woman has had no periods for 12 consecutive months, she is considered to be postmenopausal”.3

The (United States) Cleveland Clinic’s definition is:

“Postmenopause is a term to describe the time after you’ve gone through menopause. When you’re in postmenopause (or postmenopausal), your menstrual period has been gone for longer than 12 consecutive months. At this stage in life, your reproductive years are behind you and you’re no longer ovulating (or releasing eggs)”.4

Duration

How long does postmenopause last?

In Postmenopause: How Long Does Postmenopause Last? the (United States) Cleveland Clinic note:

“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”.5

Menopause Symptoms

Do menopause symptoms stop when postmenopause starts?

Not necessarily. In What Is Perimenopause and Menopause? Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause: Staying Healthy After Menopause the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health explain:


“As your body adjusts to lower hormone levels:

  • You may have fewer menopausal symptoms
  • Your symptoms may disappear
  • You may experience menopausal symptoms for years after your final period”.6

Chronic Medical Conditions

Is there an association between chronic medical conditions and postmenopause?

In Menopause: Ensuring A Tranquil Transition: Are There Any Health Risks Associated With Menopause? the (United States) Mayo Clinic explain:

“A woman’s risk for these chronic medical conditions can increase after menopause:

  • Cardiovascular disease
    The decline in estrogen increases the risk of heart attack and stroke
  • Osteoporosis
    During the first few years after menopause, women may rapidly lose bone density, leading to an enhanced risk for bone fractures
  • Genitourinary syndrome of menopause
    As vaginal tissues lose elasticity, and becomes thin and dry, women may struggle with pain during intercourse. The urethra also becomes dry and irritated, which may increase the risk of infection. Some women may need to urinate more often and may experience leakage, also known as urinary incontinence
  • Weight gain
    Because of the decrease in basal metabolic rate after menopause, women may need to decrease caloric intake and increase exercise to maintain their weight”.7

Hormone Therapy

Is hormone therapy the “fountain of youth”?

On page three of Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy: 1. Who Is MHT For? Who Might Not Need MHT?, the International Menopause Society’s (IMS) Leaflet for Women for World Menopause Day 2024, the IMS note:

“Women who go through menopause at the natural age (after 45) and have no bothersome symptoms usually don’t need MHT. Some people believe MHT is a “fountain of youth”, but there’s little scientific evidence for that. It’s important to remember MHT is not recommended solely to prevent aging, memory loss, or dementia”.8
Postmenopause

Postmenopausal Vaginal Bleeding

What if I have postmenopausal vaginal bleeding?

In Postmenopausal Bleeding: Overview – What Is Postmenopausal Bleeding? the Cleveland Clinic note:

“Postmenopausal bleeding is vaginal bleeding that occurs after menopause. Menopause is when a woman hasn’t had a menstrual period in 12 months. Bleeding from your vagina after menopause isn’t normal”.9

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Following postmenopause, is it still possible to acquire sexually transmitted infections?

In Menopause: Changes Associated With Menopause the World Health Organization explain:

“During perimenopause and following menopause, it is still possible to acquire sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, through unprotected sexual contact, including oral, anal and vaginal sex. The thinning of the vaginal wall after menopause increases the chances of lesions and tears, thereby increasing the risk of HIV transmission during vaginal sex”.10

Health Care Provider

After menopause, what is it important to be mindful of?

The JH remind us:

“It’s important to look after your health after menopause, as changes due to ageing and lower levels of oestrogen can increase your risk of developing certain health conditions”.11

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Postmenopause?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Postmenopause?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. Are You Up To Date on Your Preventive Care?
  2. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  3. BMS TV: Testosterone Explained
  4. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  5. Bleeding After Menopause? Here’s What You Need To Know
  6. Build Better Bones.org [International Osteoporosis Foundation]
  7. Complementary Medicines and Therapies for Hot Flushes
  8. Complementary Medicines and Therapies: Options for Menopausal Symptoms
    Postmenopause
  9. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  10. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2025 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Abnormal Uterine Bleeding—When To See A Clinician
  11. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2025 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Nutrition At Menopause and Why It Is Important
  12. Dr. Sharonne Hayes | Know Your Numbers
  13. Experts Answer Your Menopause Questions In New Video
  14. FDA Direct: Removing Black Box Warnings for HRT (Part 1/2)
  15. FDA Expert Panel on Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
  16. FACT SHEET: FDA Initiates Removal of “Black Box” Warnings From Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy Products [10 November 2025]
  17. PostmenopauseFebruary Is American Heart Month
  18. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  19. Find An AMS Member [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  20. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  21. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  22. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  23. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  24. HRT Questions Answered
  25. Handling Hot Flushes and Night Sweats| Dr Louise Newson
  26. Healthy Ageing
  27. PostmenopauseHealthy Living By Age: Healthy Living In Your 50s
  28. Healthy Living By Age: Healthy Living In Your 60s
  29. Hormone Therapy In Postmenopausal Persons: Primary Prevention of Chronic Conditions
  30. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  31. Hot Flashes
  32. Hot Flashes
  33. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  34. How Can I Keep My Heart Healthy After Menopause?
  35. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Bladder Leakage
    Postmenopause
  36. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Painful Sex
  37. IMS Interview Series for Women: Lifestyle Medicine With Prof. Rossella Nappi | For Women
  38. Is It Too Late To Start HRT?
  39. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – After the Menopause [Other Languages and Formats]
  40. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Sexual Wellbeing, Intimacy and Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Is the End of Your Sex Life] [Other Languages and Formats]
  41. Life’s Essential 8
  42. Living With A Chronic Condition
  43. Managing Menopause Symptoms [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  44. Mayo Clinic Minute: Relationship Between Food, Disease Stronger Than You May Think
  45. Menopause
  46. Menopause
  47. Menopause
    Black Women’s Menopause
  48. Menopause
    Postmenopause
  49. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Postmenopause
  50. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – Stages of Menopause: Postmenopause
    Postmenopause
  51. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  52. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated with Menopause and Midlife
  53. Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease and Using HRT To Treat Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
  54. Menopause and Sleep
  55. Menopause: Ensuring A Tranquil Transition
  56. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024] Postmenopause
  57. Menopause: Identification and Management: NICE Guideline [NG23] Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024
  58. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  59. Midlife Weight Gain
  60. National Women’s Health Week [12-18 May 2024, United States]: Day 6 – May 17: Reproductive Health From Puberty To Menopause and Beyond
    Postmenopause
  61. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  62. Navigating Menopause: Honest Answers To All Your Questions [+ Video: What To Expect in Menopause]
  63. Navigating Menopause Care Resource Guide
    Postmenopause
  64. Numbers You Should Know for Your Heart: What To Ask Your Doctor
  65. Osteoporosis
  66. Osteoporosis To Prevent Fractures: Screening [Final Recommendation Statement United States Preventive Services Task Force
  67. Pathtogoodbonehealth.org [Your Path To Good Bone Health, Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, United States]
  68. Pelvic Floor Health | Dr Louise Newson LIVE
  69. Postmenopausal Heart Health: What To Expect
  70. Postmenopause
  71. Postmenopause: Symptoms and Impact
  72. Professional Video and Podcast Series: 2025 Professional Videos and Podcasts – Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder HSDD—Open the Door To Discussion
  73. Prosayla Supported By ISSWSH [International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health]
  74. Q&A: At 20 Years, WHI Emphasizes Personalized Postmenopausal Care, Shared Decision-Making
  75. Resources: Fact Sheets
    Postmenopause
  76. Resources: Infographics
    Postmenopause
  77. Resources: Posters
    Postmenopause
  78. Screening for Osteoporosis
  79. Staying Healthy During and After Menopause
  80. Supplements: What Works, What Doesn’t and the Truth About Menowashing
  81. Surprising Menopause Symptoms | Dr Louise Newson Live
  82. The Benefits and Risks of Menopause Hormone Therapy for the Cardiovascular System In Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  83. The Menopause Society Statement on Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy
    Postmenopause
  84. The Women’s Health Initiative Randomized Trials and Clinical Practice
  85. The Women’s Health Initiative Trials: Clinical Messages
  86. Tip Sheet: What To Know About Post-Menopause Health Risks
  87. Vaginal Dryness After Menopause: How To Treat It?
  88. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  89. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Preventing Bone Loss At Menopause
  90. Webinars: Approach To Bone Health In the Perimenopause and Postmenopause?
  91. Webinars: Lifestyle Medicine
  92. Webinars: Skin and Connective Tissue Ageing at the Time of the Menopause
  93. Webinars: The Burn, the Itch, the Pain, the Urge: GSM In Women
  94. Webinars: Symposia – What’s Hot? Options for Treatment of Hot Flushes 2025
  95. What Is Perimenopause and Menopause?
  96. What Is the Difference Between Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause?
  97. What To Expect In Each Stage of Menopause
  98. World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women – Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy [Multiply Languages]
  99. World Menopause Day 2025
    Postmenopause
  100. World Osteoporosis Day
    Postmenopause

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Postmenopause: Overview – What Is Postmenopause? 08 August 2024. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21837-postmenopause Accessed: 23 November 2025
  2. Menopause Terminology: Glossary of Terms. Page 4. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/education/menopause-terminology/ Accessed: 23 November 2025
  3. What Is Menopause? Content Created May 2022. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/185-what-is-menopause Accessed: 23 November 2025
  4. Postmenopause: Overview – What Is Postmenopause? 08 August 2024. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21837-postmenopause Accessed: 23 November 2025
  5. Postmenopause: How Long Does Postmenopause Last? 08 August 2024. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21837-postmenopause Accessed: 23 November 2025
  6. What Is Perimenopause and Menopause? Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause: Staying Healthy After Menopause. Last Updated: 28 August 2025 | Last Reviewed: 22 April 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause#the-menopause-transition Accessed: 23 November 2025
  7. Menopause: Ensuring A Tranquil Transition: Are There Any Health Risks Associated With Menopause? 26 April 2023. Mayo Clinic https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/menopause-ensuring-a-tranquil-transition/ Accessed: 23 November 2025
  8. Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy: 3. When Should MHT Be Started and Stopped? Long-Term Use. 2024:3. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-WMD-Leaflet_English.pdf Accessed: 23 November 2025
  9. Postmenopausal Bleeding: Overview – What Is Postmenopausal Bleeding? Last Reviewed 15 January 2024. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21549-postmenopausal-bleeding Accessed: 23 November 2025
  10. Menopause: Changes Associated With Menopause. 16 October 2024. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/menopause Accessed: 23 November 2025
  11. What Is Perimenopause and Menopause? Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause: Staying Healthy After Menopause. Last Updated: 28 August 2025 | Last Reviewed: 22 April 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause#the-menopause-transition Accessed: 23 November 2025
Topic Last Updated: 23 November 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 23 November 2025

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