Postmenopause

What is postmenopause?

Postmenopause is the life stage after menopause and continues for the rest of your life. You reach postmenopause at the time of your final period (menopause).

In postmenopause, your ovaries no longer release eggs or produce the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

Find out more about perimenopause and menopause.

Symptoms in postmenopause

Many symptoms that you experience during perimenopause, such as hot flushes, usually ease off in postmenopause. However, around 1 in 10 women have hot flushes and night sweats that last for many years after menopause.

Other symptoms caused by lower oestrogen levels might become more noticeable, such as dry vagina, pain during sex and weaker bladder control. These can continue for the rest of your life if they are not treated, so it is important to talk to your doctor.

Keeping healthy for ageing well

Looking after your health is important leading up to and during the menopause transition.

The reduction in hormones at menopause, and changes in your body as you age, can have significant health impacts. This can increase your risk of:

• bone loss, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures
• vaginal dryness, irritation and painful sex
• bladder irritability and urinary tract infections
• muscle loss, which makes it harder to do everyday activities
• heart (cardiovascular) disease and risk of stroke
• insulin resistance, which increases risk of type 2 diabetes.

There are lots of things you can do now that will help you feel healthier and stronger later in life, and reduce your risk of developing disease, including:

• eating a healthy diet with lots of fruit, vegetables, lean protein, dairy or alternatives, and whole grains
• limiting alcohol and caffeine intake
• stopping and avoiding smoking and vaping
• being active, including weight bearing, resistance and aerobic exercise
• looking after your bone health
• maintaining a healthy body weight
• having a good sleep routine
• looking after your mental health and emotional wellbeing, including staying socially connected and mentally engaged. 

Don’t forget to also keep up to date with recommended health checks, including:

• breast screening
• cervical screening
• bowel cancer screening
• lung cancer screening for eligible people 
• blood pressure and cholesterol checks
• bone density assessments for people at risk.

The Jean Hailes for Women’s Health website has lots of tips and information to help keep you healthy, including:

• Staying healthy 
• Health checks for your age
• Looking after yourself around the time of menopause
• Health after menopause.

Healthy Bones Australia also has information on exercise and maintaining bone health.

When to see a doctor

If you have menopause-related symptoms that are impacting your life or worrying you, it is important to talk to a doctor. There are treatment and support options that can help. 

Not all health issues and concerns experienced in your midlife or in postmenopause are due directly to menopause. Some symptoms can also be due to other health conditions or issues. 

It is important that you talk to a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.