Cater Yourself Post Menopause!

There are three stages of menopause: Pre-menopause, Menopause, and Post-menopause. This article discusses the symptoms and care after menopause or post-menopause.

Post-menopause is referred to life after menopause. It is a stage when women have not had periods for more than 12 months. During this stage, the annoying signs and symptoms that women experience before and during menopause may gradually decrease. However, due to the low level of estrogen after menopause, women are at higher risk for several health conditions including:

• Osteoporosis 

• Heart Disease

• Depression 

• Mental Health Conditions

• Changes in Vaginal Health

• Vaginal Dryness

• Low Sex Drive

• Hot Flashes

Menopause is a normal stage of a woman’s life in which the body stops the process of ovulating. There are several hormonal changes that take place during this period. This is why one needs to stay healthy in this stage of life. One should be aware to deal with these problems and to reduce the health risk.

Post-menopausal Women - 

When women have not had periods for an entire year or more than a year, they are considered as post-menopausal women. If this happens, it is advisable to consult a doctor to measure the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level. This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland. The level of FSH hormone will increase during the post-menopausal stage. The doctors will check the level of FSH by easily performing a blood test.

However, the level of FSH hormone also fluctuates during the pre-menopausal stage, this is why the only way to determine the post-menopausal stage is when women do not have periods for a year or more.

How to Manage Post-menopausal Conditions?

By following these remedies, one can lower the risk of health conditions associated with post-menopausal stage:

• Take a Balanced Diet: Eating healthy foods is one of the most beneficial ways to deal with problems related to menopause and post-menopause. Try to consume whole grain foods and avoid foods having excess sugar and salt. One should also avoid processed and junk foods completely. It is advisable to have foods which are rich in vitamin D and calcium after menopause. One should also consult a doctor to ask for supplements if required. 

• Regular Exercise: Another way to deal with the effects of menopause is by exercising regularly. One should go for aerobic exercise and strength training to lower the risk of health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, depression, etc. 

• Visit a Doctor: It is highly advisable to see a doctor during this stage of life to monitor the health conditions and hormonal changes. One should also monitor herself to see any abnormal symptoms in the body. The doctor also monitors the FSH level. They also perform preventive screening tests including Pap smears, pelvic exams, mammograms, and breast exams.

• Stop Bad Lifestyle Habits: Women are advised to stop smoking and drinking after menopause. 

Take Away -

Though this stage is very critical but dealing with the right care, one can easily conquer this stage of life.