Understanding the Stage of Post Menopause
Most people are aware of menopause and what it involves, but there is also a stage of menopause known as post menopause which is just as important to be aware of.
What it is
Post menopause is a term which refers to the stage immediately following menopause. It almost seems unfair that you would have to go through another difficult time right after you have finished dealing with menopause.
There are a few symptoms that are often experienced and which the woman can use to recognize that she is going through post menopause. This includes hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, to name a few. There may also be a burning or itchy sensation at the vulva, decreased libido and hypertension.
Incontinence is another commonly experienced symptom of post menopause, and this is a situation where every time the woman laughs or coughs urine can escape from her bladder which causes a dribbling effect. These women usually have to wear a sanitary pad or adult diaper to keep the urine from leaking through onto their clothes and so this is obviously quite an embarrassing and annoying symptom to have to deal with.
During this time, the symptoms of menopause ease for most women, but for others they get even more intense. Postmenopausal women are also at a much greater risk for various health conditions, including osteoporosis and heart disease. Once you reach the postmenopausal stage you can expect to regain at least a bit of your energy and stamina, and start to feel more emotionally balanced, but because you are more at risk for health problems it is going to be more important than ever that you visit your doctor regularly.
Getting regular checkups and preventing screening tests once you have hit post menopause is going to be imperative to your health, and pap spears and mammograms are among the most important tests that should be performed in order to keep a watchful eye on your health at this time.
It is always important to take care of your health but never more than when you are going through menopause. Rather than feeling as though this is the end of your womanhood, consider the fact that menopause opens the door of opportunity for the modern woman and that her first steps out that door should not be made in fear.
Speaking to your doctor is imperative but you may also want to consider working with a therapist or counselor who will be able to work with you on your emotional dealings with this.
