When we talk about menopause, the focus is often on perimenopause—those years of fluctuating hormones, mood swings, and hot flushes. There’s also a lot of discussion around the transition phase of menopause, where symptoms peak, and women search for solutions to manage the rollercoaster of changes. But what about navigating post-menopause?
Is there a magic wand that makes everything stop once you've crossed the menopause finish line?
Sadly, no.
What Happens in Post-Menopause?
Post-menopause is defined as the stage of life after a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months. This means that hormone levels—primarily oestrogen and progesterone—stay consistently low. While some women find that their symptoms ease, many others (myself included) continue to experience issues long after their last period.
Some of the most common post-menopausal symptoms include:
Hot Flushes & Night Sweats – While these may lessen for some women, others continue to experience them for decades after menopause.
Joint Pain & Stiffness – Oestrogen plays a role in joint health, so aches and pains can become more noticeable.
Sleep Disturbances – Insomnia or waking frequently through the night is a major issue for post-menopausal women.
Vaginal Dryness & Bladder Issues – Low oestrogen levels can lead to vaginal atrophy, discomfort, and urinary problems.
Brain Fog & Memory Issues – Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating are common.
Osteoporosis Risk – Bone density declines post-menopause, increasing the risk of fractures.
Why Do Symptoms Persist?
For some women, symptoms linger because the body remains sensitive to hormonal changes. Others may find that lifestyle, stress levels, and overall health play a role in how they feel. Surgical menopause, as in my case, can result in more severe and long-lasting symptoms because of the sudden drop in hormones.
What Can We Do About It?
While there’s no quick fix, there are ways to manage post-menopausal symptoms and improve quality of life. I’ve written a handy eBook with some of the tips in, which you can download here.
The Reality of Post-Menopause: A Lifelong Adjustment
The idea that menopause is a brief transition and then it’s all smooth sailing is a myth. The reality is that post-menopause is a new phase of life with its own challenges, and every woman’s experience is unique.
For me, accepting that this is an ongoing journey rather than something to ‘fix’ has helped. I continue to learn, adapt, and find ways to support my body through the changes.
So, if you’re post-menopausal and still struggling, know this: you’re not alone, and you’re not imagining it. There’s no shame in still needing support, whether that’s through HRT, lifestyle changes, or simply acknowledging that post-menopause isn’t always the “happily ever after” we’ve been led to believe.
Have you found ways to manage your post-menopause symptoms? Let’s open up the conversation and support each other. 💛
💪 Kick-start your journey to strength and empowerment! Join my 6-Week Reset Challenge today: https://www.menopausewellnesscentre.com/menopause-reset-sign-up
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