Hormone Balance and Postmenopause

Postmenopause can cause a variety of symptoms that many women find relief from with hormone replacement therapy. Here is everything you should know about postmenopause, its symptoms, and how to treat them.

What Is Postmenopause?

Postmenopause is the time period following menopause, which occurs between the ages of 45-55 for most women. When the ovaries stop releasing eggs, abrupt changes to the endocrine (hormone) system occur. Estrogen and progesterone levels drop dramatically, causing a cascade of normal but uncomfortable shifts in hormone balance.

For most women, the severity of symptoms slowly subsides as they move into postmenopause, the period 12 months and longer after a woman’s last period.

However, some women continue to experience menopausal symptoms well into postmenopause. Also, the lowered levels of estrogen in postmenopausal women carry additional health risks, which we will explore below.

What Are the Symptoms of Postmenopause?

Many of the symptoms of postmenopause are similar to the symptoms of menopause, which can include:

• Insomnia.
• Hot flashes.
• Urinary incontinence.
• Night sweats.
• Lowered sex drive.
• Vaginal dryness.

In addition to these symptoms, the massive reduction in circulating estrogen experienced in postmenopause causes important changes to the function of many organs and tissues. This puts women in postmenopause at an elevated risk of developing the following conditions:

• Mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
• Osteoporosis.
• Heart disease.
• Increased cholesterol levels.

What Self-Directed Therapies for Postmenopause Are Available to Women?

Women in postmenopause can protect their health and reduce their symptoms by employing the following self-directed therapies:

• Regular exercise. Several studies have shown that, when combined with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), regular exercise such as walking, running, or light weightlifting can significantly improve quality of life in postmenopausal women. Exercise is also beneficial for building and maintaining bone and muscle mass.
• Healthy eating habits. Including more whole foods, cutting out excess carbs and refined or processed foods, and practicing intermittent fasting are proven methods to improve hormone health in women experiencing postmenopause. Also, consider strengthening your bones with additional calcium and vitamin D either through diet or supplements.
• Smoking and alcohol cessation. Smoking and excessive drinking worsen the symptoms of postmenopause and put women at increased risk of developing serious related conditions such as heart disease and osteoporosis. Stop smoking and limit alcohol intake to a 1-2 drink daily maximum.
• Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy.

What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?

BHRT is the practice of using all-natural, plant-based hormones called phytoestrogens to replace falling hormones levels in individuals who have hormone deficiencies.

Therapy with bioidentical estrogen is straightforward and effective. A discreet hormone “pellet” is inserted under the skin, where it stays over a course of weeks. Over time, the pellet delivers all-natural estrogen into the blood, which then circulates throughout the body.

How Might Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Treat Postmenopause?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is the ideal method for women in postmenopause who want to feel and look younger and more vibrant to naturally supplement their estrogen levels.

The vast majority of postmenopausal women who receive BHRT with estrogen report having:

• More energy.
• Renewed enthusiasm for daily activities.
• Recovered sex drive.
• Stronger bones and muscles.

Get Well and Live Well With EvexiPEL

If you or a loved one is interested in overcoming the health obstacles of postmenopause with all-natural bioidentical estrogen, consider contacting EvexiPEL today, a leading provider of high-quality, safe, and effective bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Reach out to us at [email protected] or use our Find a Provider tool to locate a BHRT expert near you.