How will my body change postmenopause?
Many of us may be well versed in the changes that occur leading up to menopause, but have you ever wondered what happens to your body after menopause? It’s time to investigate some postmenopausal symptoms!
Menopause is considered to be complete once you have not had your period for 12 consecutive months. [1] Reaching this point can feel like a massive achievement; a final end to all the hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and irregular periods. But what happens next? Is it time to celebrate an end to all these symptoms or are there still more to come post menopause? Let’s find out how your body will change during this time.
What happens to my hormone levels postmenopause?
While during the period leading up to menopause you will experience a drastic drop in the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, this will not be the case postmenopause. However, it may not be time to say goodbye to all those perimenopausal symptoms (such as weight gain and vaginal dryness) just yet…
Your hormone levels after menopause will definitely follow a more stable course, but as with most changes, your body needs some time to adjust. And even though it is normal to experience some of your menopausal symptoms after menopause itself, they are generally said to be milder. [2]
If your symptoms persist for a particularly long period of time or are affecting your day to day life then it’s best to make an appointment with your doctor for some professional advice.
Is bleeding or brown spotting after menopause normal?
Menopause marks the end of your periods. So no, any type of vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause is not to be expected.
That being said, there are a few reasons as to why you may experience vaginal bleeding after menopause and it’s usually a sign that something else is going on in your womb. For example, inflammation or thinning of your uterus lining, fibroid growths in your cervix or an infection in the uterus lining. There could also be other more serious reasons, such as cancer of the uterus or cervix. [3]
However, this doesn’t mean that you should immediately freak out if you spot blood in your underwear after you’ve gone through menopause; most cases are easily treated with the right medication. all possibilities should be investigated thoroughly, nonetheless, and that’s why it’s recommended to get a medical opinion from your doctor straight away.
So while menopause itself may not mark the end to all perimenopausal symptoms, you can at least breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they will eventually ease off. In the meantime, keep faith in your body – postmenopause doesn’t mean that everything will grind to a halt at once!
To continue the conversation regarding menopause, head over to our pages on how to mentally prepare for menopause and what happens when ovulation stops.
Medical disclaimer
The medical information in this article is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your doctor for guidance about a specific medical condition.
[References]
[1] https://healthcare.utah.edu/womenshealth/gynecology/menopause/postmenopause.php#whenshouldyouseeadoctoraboutpostmenopausesymptoms
[2] https://www.dignityhealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/womens-services/perimenopause/postmenopause
[3] https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/periods/periods-overview/bleeding-after-menopause
