What is post-menopause? Symptoms, health, skin and tips

After the menopause - when you haven’t had a period for 12 months - your ovaries no longer release eggs or produce estrogen. On average, this happens around the age of 51(1) and from this point on, you are post-menopausal. Happily, hormonal stability brings a halt to some of the symptoms you might have experienced during the perimenopause, like hot flashes and mood swings and you can expect to feel on much more of an even keel. Post-menopausal women also have a higher risk of osteoporosis and other health conditions, so the permanent changes in your body will mean regular health checks. But by keeping yourself fit, healthy and well-nourished, you can actually increase your energy levels as you begin this new chapter.

More hormonal stability after the menopause

Post-menopause, hormone levels stabilize, which means an end to the common symptoms you may have experienced as your estrogen production decreased, like fatigue, night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and drier skin. And as your body adjusts to its new balance and you may even find you have more energy than you have had in years. Many women also notice fewer aches and pains, and less sleep problems, anxiety and weight fluctuation once the menopause has passed.

Osteoporosis is a reduction in bone density that causes brittle bones, making breaks and fractures frequent. In post-menopausal women, this is caused by a lack of estrogen, a hormone that plays a major role in bone health. A varied diet including plenty of bone-nourishing, calcium-rich dairy products and leafy greens, as well as oily fish containing the vitamin D that helps the body to absorb it, can help guard against the condition. Check-ups are important; your doctor may prescribe calcium and vitamin D supplements and adding in weight-bearing exercises to your workout routine can help strengthen bones as well as muscles.

A lack of estrogen also affects the heart and many post-menopausal women experience palpitations, or heart conditions that can lead to a higher risk of heart attack. Regular visits to the doctor are essential and if you previously had unhealthy habits like smoking or a high-fat diet, it’s never too late to make lifestyle changes; a healthy, varied diet and regular exercise – 150 minutes a week is ideal(2) in three sessions - will help keep your heart in top condition and reduce your risk of heart-related health problems later in life.

Post-menopausal skin

While the skin changes that occur during perimenopause – increased dryness, plus loss of density, elasticity and sagging - are here to stay, there are plenty of ways to cope with them. The appearance of some signs of aging can be slowed with a healthy diet and sun protection, but post-menopause, careful skincare choices are key to healthy, beautiful skin as you age.

Think nutrition, as post-menopausal skin can have up to 57% less of the lipids essential for skin comfort and strength than pre-menopausal skin. Chose richer creams post-menopause, for intense nourishment, morning and night.

Including anti-aging actives in your skincare routine is a good idea to help keep skin feeling comfortable, strong and firm for longer. These actives are able of targeting lack of firmness and wrinkles like Pro-xylane. 

Consider adding a facial oil to your routine, for a rich hit of nutrient-packed moisture before your day or night cream. Elevate this new step in your skincare routine, by massaging it in using firm, upward movements to boost circulation and aid penetration.

Adjusting to a new phase of life

With the bulk of the changes to your body behind you, post-menopause heralds a period of reflection and adjustment. As things settle down physically and emotionally, careful lifestyle choices can help you ease yourself into this new life stage and look forward to the many heathy and happy years to come.

SOURCES:
1. Vichy, Ménopause, mode d’emploi, p11
2. http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer