Postmenopause - Rejuvenate HRT Clinic

Here is the optimized and cleaned up text for publishing:

Postmenopause is the stage that begins one year after a woman's last menstrual period. It signals the end of a woman's reproductive years.

The time leading up to postmenopause is called perimenopause. This transitional stage can last for several years as the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. As estrogen levels decline, periods become irregular and then stop completely.

Once a woman has gone 12 full months without a period, she has reached postmenopause. This milestone means she can no longer get pregnant naturally.

Changes During Postmenopause

The postmenopausal stage brings new changes driven by reduced estrogen:

• Hot flashes - Sudden feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest are common. These temporary flushes can cause sweating and rapid heartbeat.
• Vaginal dryness - Lack of estrogen causes thinning and inflammation of vaginal tissues. This can make intercourse painful without sufficient lubrication.
• Osteoporosis risk - With less estrogen, bones lose density faster. Weight-bearing exercise and calcium can help strengthen bones.
• Heart disease risk - The drop in estrogen increases LDL cholesterol levels. Managing cholesterol and blood pressure is important.

While concerning, these changes are manageable with lifestyle adjustments and medical support. There are many therapies available today to treat common postmenopause symptoms.

Coping With Changes

Here are some tips for navigating postmenopause:

• Stay active with cardio and strength-training exercises
• Follow a nutritious diet with ample calcium and vitamin D
• Consider hormone therapy if symptoms disrupt sleep or quality of life
• Use vaginal moisturizers/lubricants for comfortable intercourse
• Get recommended health screenings like mammograms and bone density scans
• Join a menopause support group to share questions and advice

The end of fertility allows women to live the second half of life unencumbered by periods and contraception. With healthy self-care, postmenopause can be a rewarding new beginning full of possibilities.

I tried to highlight key terms related to postmenopause in bold text. Please let me know if you would like me to modify or add anything to this draft answer. I aimed for an informative tone with some friendly advice as well.