“Postmenopause is the time after menopause. A woman can experience menopausal symptoms in postmenopause. How long this continues varies for…”.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

Definition

What is the definition of postmenopause?Postmenopause

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

“Postmenopause – the term postmenopause is defined as dating from the FMP, regardless of whether the menopause was induced or spontaneous”.2

The North American Menopause Society’s (NAMS) definition is:

“Postmenopause includes all the years beyond menopause”.3

The Australasian Menopause Society’s definition is:

“When a woman has had no periods for 12 consecutive months she is considered to be “postmenopausal””.4

FMP

What is FMP?

FMP can be an abbreviation for Final Menstrual Period.

Duration

How long does postmenopause last?

Postmenopause – or after menopause – lasts for the rest of our life. This means we may be postmenopausal for 30 years – more or less – if we live from menopause at 50ish, until 80ish.

On page two in Prevention of Diseases After Menopause: Introduction the authors elaborate on:

“As the world population increases, along with an increase in life expectancy, many millions of women will be spending a third or more of their lives after menopause”.5

Postmenopause Differences

Do all women experience the same postmenopause?

No. All women do not experience the same postmenopause. Just as different women have a different perimenopause, different women also have a different postmenopause.

Menopause Symptoms

Do menopause symptoms stop when postmenopause starts?

Not necessarily. The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health explain:

Postmenopause
“Postmenopause is the time after menopause. A woman can experience menopausal symptoms in postmenopause. How long this continues varies for each woman”.6

Chronic Conditions

Is there an association between chronic conditions and postmenopause?

On page three in Prevention of Diseases After Menopause: Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases After Menopause the authors note:

“After menopause, several chronic diseases may emerge, usually by the sixth decade, and these include obesity and metabolic disease, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and arthritis, dementia and cognitive decline, and cancer. An important opportunity exists at the onset of menopause to prevent or attenuate these chronic diseases which have an onset approximately 10 years later”.7

The same authors of Prevention of Diseases After Menopause also note:

“Some of these conditions (cardiovascular disease) accelerate in women after menopause, and others (cancer) increase as a function of age in both men and women”.8

Prevention

Postmenopause, how may chronic disease be prevented?

The authors of Prevention of Diseases After Menopause explain:

“The first 10 years after menopause are an important window for intervention. For all women, lifestyle measures (diet and exercise), control of body weight, mentally stimulating activity and regular screening for cancer should be carried out. As part of this armamentarium, MHT should be considered, particularly in symptomatic women. Beyond this, the identification of specific risks (e.g. osteoporosis) may warrant more specific prevention therapy”.9

What is MHT?

PostmenopauseMHT can be an abbreviation for Menopausal Hormone Therapy or Hormone Therapy (HT).

On page four in Maintaining Health and Preventing Disease After the Menopause for World Menopause Day 2014, the International Menopause Society list their Top 10 Prevention Tips for Chronic Disease in Later Life.

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with my postmenopause?

If you would like help with your postmenopause, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. The IMS remind us:

“The menopause transition should be used as an opportunity to visit your healthcare professional for a check-up, assess potential risks and proactively start to manage later life. Obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, cognitive decline and dementia, depression, and cancer are the key diseases to address”.10

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics 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.
  1. 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  2. BMS TV
  3. Being Positive About Sexual Wellbeing After Menopause
  4. Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
  5. Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  6. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  7. Causes of Low Libido In Postmenopausal Women [Video]
  8. ClinicalTrials.gov: Postmenopause
  9. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  10. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  11. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  12. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  13. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  14. Does Osteoporosis Run In Your Family?
  15. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States] Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
  16. Everything You Wanted To Know About Painful Sex… But Were Too Embarrassed To Ask
  17. Goredforwomen.org [Go Red for Women, United States]
  18. HRT and the Risk of Breast Cancer Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  19. HRT and Alternatives
  20. Health After Menopause
  21. Healthy Aging: Keeping Mentally Well In Our Older Years
  22. Healthy Living By Age: Healthy Living In Your 50s
  23. Healthy Living By Age: Healthy Living In Your 60s
  24. Healthy Living By Age: Healthy Living In Your 70s
  25. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  26. Hormone Therapy In Postmenopausal Women: Primary Prevention of Chronic Conditions
  27. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  28. Hot Flashes: Manage Without Medication?
  29. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do?
  30. Hot Stuff: What’s New About Hot Flashes?
  31. How Much Postmenopause Weight Gain Can Be Blamed on Weight-Promoting Medications?
  32. Infographic: Treat Your Heart As A House
  33. Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
  34. Is It Too Late To Start HRT At 60? – Ask Dr Jean
  35. Lifestyle and Behaviour Changes for Menopausal Symptoms
  36. Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
  37. Maintaining Your Weight and Health During and After Menopause
  38. Making Sense of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Means Understanding the Benefits As Well As the Risks
  39. Making the Invisible Visible
  40. Managing Menopausal Symptoms After Breast Cancer – A Guide for Women [Booklet]
  41. Managing Menopause: Don’t Let Symptoms of Menopause Reduce Your Quality of Life
  42. Mayo Clinic Minute: What Is Heart Disease? [+ Video]
  43. Mayo Clinic Q and A: New Shingles Vaccine Recommended for Most Adults Over Age 50
  44. Mayo Mindfulness: Self-Awareness, Mindfulness and Self-Management Can Impact Chronic Diseases
  45. Menopause
  46. Menopause
  47. Menopause & Herbs
  48. Menopause FAQs: An Introduction To Menopause – Q. What Is Postmenopause?
  49. Menopause FAQs: Your Health After Menopause
  50. Menopause Hormone Therapy: Who Shouldn’t Take It?
  51. Menopause Map: Postmenopause [+ En Español]
  52. Menopause Matters
  53. Menopause and Heart Disease
  54. Menopause and Women’s Health In Later Life
  55. Menopause – How Will It Affect My Health? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  56. Menopause – Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT) Safe? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  57. Menopause – Will It Affect My Sex Life? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  58. Menopause, Perimenopause, and Postmenopause: Can I Get Pregnant If I Am Postmenopausal?
  59. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  60. Menopause: Getting Older [Video Interview Stories]
  61. Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
  62. Menopause: Overview [Video Interview Stories]
  63. Menopause: Profiles – Postmenopausal [Video Interview Stories]
  64. My Life Check | Life’s Simple 7
  65. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
  66. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Safe Use of Complementary Health Products and Practices
  67. National Osteoporosis Month [May, United States]: 31 Ways To Stay Bone Strong National Osteoporosis Month
  68. National Women’s Health Week May 10–16, 2020 [United States]
  69. Natural Therapies & Supplements
  70. News Flash About Hot Flashes: They Can Last Longer Than You Think [+ Video]
  71. Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  72. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  73. Osteoporosis Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  74. Practical Prescribing Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  75. Risks and Benefits of MHT/HRT
  76. Severe Postmenopausal Symptoms Decrease Quality of Life, But Can Be Treated
  77. Sex & Relationships: 5 Things To Know About Sex In Later Life [Video]
  78. Sex and Menopause: Treatment for Symptoms
  79. Sexual Difficulties In the Menopause
  80. Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  81. Urogenital Problems
  82. Vaginal Dryness
  83. Vaginal Dryness
  84. Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
  85. Video Series-2020 – Bone Health What You Need To Know
  86. Video Series-2020 – How To Talk To Your Primary Care Clinician About Your Overall Health
  87. Video Series-2020 – The Role of Vitamins In Women’s Midlife Health
  88. Video Series-2020 – What Women Need To Know About Heart Disease
  89. Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause
  90. Wear Red Today: National Wear Red Day Is Friday, February 7, 2020 [United States]
  91. What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and Is It Safe?
  92. What It Means To Go Red for Women [+ Video]
  93. Women Take Charge of Their Health
  94. Women’s Wellness: Bladder Control Problems
  95. Women’s Wellness: Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Happen After Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network
  96. Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
  97. Women’s Wellness: Painful Sex After Menopause
  98. Women’s Wellness: Treating Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Without Hormones [+ Video]
  99. World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2018 – Patient Information Leaflet: Sexual Wellbeing After Menopause [Multiply Languages]
  100. World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2019 – Patient Information Leaflet: Testosterone for Women At Midlife [Multiply Languages]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. About Menopause: The Stages of Menopause – Postmenopause. Last Updated: 04 March 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause/ Accessed: 17 June 2020
  2. Menopause Terminology: Definitions. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/menopause_terminology.php Accessed: 17 June 2020
  3. Menopause FAQs: An Introduction To Menopause – Q. What is postmenopause? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-an-introduction-to-menopause Accessed: 17 June 2020
  4. What Is Menopause? Content Updated February 2016. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/185-what-is-menopause Accessed: 17 June 2020
  5. Lobo, R. A., Davis, S. R., De Villiers, T. J., Gompel, A., Henderson, V. W., Hodis, H. N., Lumsden, M. A., Mack, W. J., Shapiro, S. and Baber, R. J. Prevention of Diseases After Menopause: Introduction. 2014:2 https://www.imsociety.org/downloads/world_menopause_day_2014/white_paper/wmd_white_paper_english.pdf Accessed: 17 June 2020
  6. About Menopause: The Stages of Menopause – Postmenopause. Last Updated: 04 March 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause/ Accessed: 17 June 2020
  7. Lobo, R. A., Davis, S. R., De Villiers, T. J., Gompel, A., Henderson, V. W., Hodis, H. N., Lumsden, M. A., Mack, W. J., Shapiro, S. and Baber, R. J. Prevention of Diseases After Menopause: Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases After Menopause. 2014:3 https://www.imsociety.org/downloads/world_menopause_day_2014/white_paper/wmd_white_paper_english.pdf Accessed: 17 June 2020
  8. Lobo, R. A., Davis, S. R., De Villiers, T. J., Gompel, A., Henderson, V. W., Hodis, H. N., Lumsden, M. A., Mack, W. J., Shapiro, S. and Baber, R. J. Prevention of Diseases After Menopause: Introduction. 2014:2 https://www.imsociety.org/downloads/world_menopause_day_2014/white_paper/wmd_white_paper_english.pdf Accessed: 17 June 2020
  9. Lobo, R. A., Davis, S. R., De Villiers, T. J., Gompel, A., Henderson, V. W., Hodis, H. N., Lumsden, M. A., Mack, W. J., Shapiro, S. and Baber, R. J. Prevention of Diseases After Menopause: Summary of Prevention Strategies. 2014:22 https://www.imsociety.org/downloads/world_menopause_day_2014/white_paper/wmd_white_paper_english.pdf Accessed: 17 June 2020
  10. Maintaining Health and Preventing Disease After the Menopause. 2014:2. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/downloads/world_menopause_day_2014/booklets/ims_wmd_booklet_2014_english.pdf Accessed: 17 June 2020
Topic Last Updated: 15 July 2020 – Topic Last Reviewed: 17 June 2020
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