Post menopause symptoms can be just as bothersome as the hot flashes and hair loss that is experienced with perimenopause. Symptoms are often a sign of the changing hormones in your body as estrogen production begins to drop off. There are some symptoms that need to be checked by your physician and others that are harmless.
Common Symptoms
Some of the most common post menopause symptoms are vaginal dryness, libido loss and a loss of menstruation. Most physicians won’t give a diagnosis of being post menopausal until periods have ceased for one year, although some women have an erratic cycle for up to eight years during perimenopause. Other symptoms may also include depression, anxiety, bloating, brittle nails, hair loss and a change in moods.
Each of these symptoms are related to the changes in the hormone levels in your body. Some are a direct result of the lack of estrogen, such as vaginal dryness, while others may be the result of genetics. For instance, some women experience weight gain with menopause that can be related to both genetics and the natural aging process. There are treatment options for women who are experiencing post menopause symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy and a healthy lifestyle are often recommended for women who have reached this stage in life.
Aging and Bone Loss
Some women with post menopause symptoms may experience a loss in bone density that is called osteoporosis. Your bones can become brittle and may even break easily when bone density loss occurs. There are now some treatment options for women who have osteoporosis. Unfortunately the only prevention for bone loss is getting plenty of calcium during the early years of life. Women store calcium in their bones until they reach their thirties, however, so if you aren’t menopausal yet then drinking milk and taking calcium supplements may help you with bone loss later on.
Other signs of aging also become more evident when the body begins to experience the post menopause symptoms that come from the change in hormones. For example, fine lines may become more evident as your skin becomes more elastic. These are normal signs of aging and can’t be avoided. Some hormone treatment therapies can help reduce the symptoms that you experience although there are some side effects to this type of therapy.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy is often recommended for women with post menopause symptoms. Estrogen in pill form is very useful when experiencing menopause but is also liked to an increased risk of stroke and heart disease in some women. Since other factors also influence your likelihood of these diseases, including family history and weight, you can lessen your risk by leading a healthy lifestyle.
Post menopause symptoms don’t have to control your life. There are many treatment options that range from holistic, herbal treatments to those prescribed by your physician. You may find that working with a doctor will help you identify any mental disorders that are related to menopause, as well.
