Key Takeaways
- Hot flashes and night sweats can continue post-menopause; non-hormonal treatments and HRT help manage them.
- Postmenopausal bleeding is not normal and requires immediate medical attention.
- Vaginal dryness and UTIs are common after menopause, but treatments are available to manage these symptoms.
- Bone and heart health risks increase after menopause, requiring regular check-ups and lifestyle changes.
- If you experience severe pelvic pain, sudden bloating, or unusual bleeding, consult your doctor immediately.
The journey through menopause is often described as a single transition, but in reality, it is a multi-stage marathon. The day you officially reach the post-menopause stage defined as 12 consecutive months without a period can feel like crossing a finish line. The intense hormonal rollercoaster of perimenopause may be over, but the post-menopause years bring their own set of sustained and significant changes that require attention, care, and the right knowledge.
At Glow by Hormone University, we are here to be the reliable, knowledgeable friend you can always turn to. Our mission is to empower women by providing clean, science-backed solutions and the education necessary for you to achieve hormonal harmony. We firmly believe that understanding your body is the first step to truly loving the skin you’re in and achieving that radiant 'Glow'.
Here is your essential, in-depth guide to distinguishing between the persistent, normal post menopause symptoms and those critical signs that require immediate medical attention.
The New Normal: Persistent Post-Menopause Symptoms
When oestrogen and progesterone levels stabilise at a low level, your body enters a new hormonal reality. While many acute symptoms subside, some can linger for a decade or more, and new issues related to long-term hormonal depletion may arise.
1. Vasomotor Symptoms (VMS): The Lingering Heat
It is frustratingly common for hot flashes and night sweats to continue well into the post-menopause years. While they typically become milder and less frequent, they can still significantly impact sleep and quality of life.
- Lingering vs. Late-Onset Hot Flashes: Most VMS subside after a few years, but for some women, they can continue for ten years or longer. Even more confusingly, some women may experience late-onset hot flashes that begin well into the post-menopause stage. If VMS are moderate to severe, they should be addressed.
- Our Supportive Approach: We understand the disruptive nature of VMS. For internal support, incorporating ingredients like Wild Yam and Vitex, which encourage hormonal balance, can offer relief. Our Menopause SOS Topical Supplement is formulated with these natural botanicals to support relief from hot flashes and night sweats, supporting your body’s natural rhythm.
2. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)
This is one of the most widespread and frustrating long-term consequences of low oestrogen, affecting the vulva, vagina, and lower urinary tract.
- Vaginal Dryness and UTIs: As per a research in Dovepress, reduction in oestrogen leads to the thinning and inflammation of vaginal tissues (atrophy), which causes chronic vaginal dryness and UTIs to become much more frequent. Symptoms can include itching, burning, pain during sex, and an increase in urinary urgency or incontinence.
- Holistic Relief: Simple steps like using over-the-counter vaginal moisturisers and lubricants can offer significant relief and are often the first-line nonhormonal treatment recommended by doctors. Internally, supporting tissue health is paramount. We champion natural, clean solutions like our Magnesium and Collagen Powered Body Lotion which helps support the structure and hydration of skin and other tissues. Crucially, persistent or painful urinary symptoms must always be discussed with a healthcare professional to rule out infection.
3. Skin, Mood, and Cognitive Changes
Low oestrogen affects collagen production, leading to increased skin dryness, dullness, and loss of elasticity. Similarly, sleep disturbances (often due to VMS) and the direct effect of hormonal changes can impact mood and cognitive function.
- The Emotional Toll: Insomnia, irritability, and difficulty concentrating are common complaints. We meet these challenges with empathy and encouragement, offering holistic support that looks beyond just the physical.
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Targeting The Glow: Our formulations are rooted in phytoscience and naturopathy to offer effective, clean remedies that counteract hormonal imbalances. For overall skin and body support, incorporating products with ingredients designed to aid sleep and muscle relaxation can contribute to a healthier glow from the inside-out.
The Critical Conversation: When to See a Doctor
While many post menopause symptoms are an expected part of this life stage, there are specific signs that are not normal and require urgent medical investigation. This is where your proactivity and vigilance become critical.
Symptoms That Need Immediate Investigation:
- Postmenopausal Bleeding (PMB): Any bleeding a single spot, light pink discharge, or heavy flow that occurs one year or more after your final period is not normal. This is the most critical symptom that necessitates a prompt evaluation by your GP or when to call a gynecologist. While the most common causes are benign conditions like genitourinary atrophy or polyps, Postmenopausal bleeding is the presenting symptom in over 90% of women diagnosed with endometrial (uterine) cancer. Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes.
- New, Worsening, or Persistent Pelvic Pain: While mild aches or cramps can be related to common issues like atrophy or fibroids, new, increasingly severe, or persistent pelvic pain should never be ignored. It may accompany postmenopausal bleeding in cases of uterine cancer.
- Sudden or Persistent Bloating: Bloating that is new, persistent (occurs daily for several weeks), and accompanied by other non-specific symptoms like early satiety (feeling full quickly) or changes in bowel habits must be investigated immediately. Persistent sudden bloat, coupled with pelvic pain, can be a warning sign for conditions like ovarian cancer.
In summary: Don't wait. If you experience any bleeding, new or worsening pain, or persistent bloating, make an appointment with your GP immediately.
Long-Term Wellness: Bone and Heart Changes After Menopause
The reduction of oestrogen post-menopause is not just about managing symptoms; it necessitates focusing on long-term preventative health. The shifts that occur increase the risk of bone and heart changes after menopause.
Cardiovascular Health
Before menopause, oestrogen offers a protective effect on the heart and blood vessels. After menopause, this protection is lost, leading to adverse changes in lipid profiles (e.g., rising LDL cholesterol) and vascular function.
- Increased Risk: The risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke, significantly increases for postmenopausal women. This critical time, referred to as the Menopause Transition, is a vital window for implementing early intervention strategies.
- Our Support Strategy: While lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and regular physical activity are non-negotiable, we offer natural support to complement your routine. Our Magnesium and Collagen Power is designed to support a healthy lifestyle, providing ingredients that aid in muscle function and overall wellness.
Bone Density and Osteoporosis
Oestrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone mass. Post-menopause, the accelerated loss of bone density begins, which can lead to osteopenia and eventually osteoporosis.
- The Silent Disease: Osteoporosis is often silent until a fragility fracture occurs. The risk of fracture increases dramatically with age.
- Prevention and Screening: Prevention involves adequate intake of Calcium and Vitamin D, along with weight-bearing exercise. Screening with Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is recommended for all women aged 65 and older, and for some younger postmenopausal women with risk factors. Discussing a DXA scan is an essential topic for when to call a gynecologist or GP.
Your Plan of Action: Taking Control
You are empowered by the knowledge of your own body. Here is how Glow by Hormone University adds value to your routine and lifestyle.
- Naturopathic Solutions: We offer an effective, naturopathic set of remedies that target symptoms. Our products, like the Menopause SOS Topical Supplement, are formulated to work in synergy with your body, offering clean, potent, and drug-free support to help you feel your best self.
- Community Support: We encourage you to break the silence and the misconception of shame about hormones. You are not alone; you are part of 3.3 billion women. We are in this together: ups and downs.
The world needs you to Glow through what you go through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which symptoms can continue after menopause?
Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and UTIs, changes in libido, dry skin, and mild mood changes can all persist long after your final period.
What symptoms are NOT normal (bleeding pelvic pain, sudden bloat)?
Postmenopausal bleeding (any bleeding a year after your last period), new or persistent pelvic pain, and persistent, unexplained sudden bloat are abnormal and require immediate medical evaluation.
When should I have blood work or imaging?
You should have blood work to check cholesterol, thyroid, and other chronic condition markers annually. Imaging (such as a transvaginal ultrasound or endometrial biopsy) is immediately necessary to investigate postmenopausal bleeding or persistent, abnormal pelvic pain or bloating.
Are nonhormonal treatments enough or do I need HRT?
This decision is individual and should be made with your doctor. Nonhormonal, naturopathic options, like the effective clean solutions we provide, are often sufficient for mild to moderate VMS and GSM. HRT is highly effective for severe VMS and to prevent bone and heart changes after menopause, particularly if started within 10 years of menopause onset.
How often should postmenopausal women see their doctor?
Postmenopausal women should see their primary care physician and their gynecologist annually for preventative screening, which includes cancer screenings and to discuss bone and heart changes after menopause.
Reference Articles/ Research Papers
Vasomotor Symptoms: Natural History, Physiology, and Links with Cardiovascular Health - PMC
Pathophysiology, Evaluation, and Treatment of Bloating: Hope, Hype, or Hot Air? - PMC
