Postmenopause

In postmenopause a woman's hormone patterns have changed significantly, because the ovaries are no longer producing estrogen or progesterone. Instead of them fat cells continue to produce estrogen at around 40 per cent of previous levels. The ovaries have now begun to shrink in size but still have quite an important role in postmenopause since some hormones continue to be produced there.

In recent years, the importance of postmenopause has increased particularly in western society, because, with a life expectancy of over 80 years, many women can expect to be postmenopausal for over one third of their lives.

Unfortunately postmenopause can raise new health concerns or still causes menopause symptoms, resulting from the body's decreasing production of hormones. Osteoporosis, a degenerative bone disease, and heart disease are the most serious potential health concerns of the postmenopause years.

These conditions may lead to a significant reduction in quality of life, for both the individuals affected and their relatives.

Women can take command of these health risks by implementing changes in their lifestyle and by exploring the range of preventative treatments available.