Author: Maria Alfano
Just when you thought your days of PMS were over, you are facing PMS after menopause. If you thought the symptoms were no fun before, wait till you take these ones out for a ride. This is no picnic. And, more than 90% of women in their 50s experience this.
Ladies beware. Mother Nature took away your monthly cycle only to play a trick on you and give you more to deal with after the fact.
As you may be aware, there are 3 phases of menopause. Each phase has its own warning signs, symptoms, and treatments. Having said that, the focus of this post is PMS after menopause so let’s dive right in.
PMS After Menopause – Is There Really Such A Thing
Unfortunately, ladies, this is a very real thing. Most women will experience symptoms ranging from very mild to downright debilitating.
What is PMS After Menopause
Postmenopausal syndrome is caused by hormonal changes and the reduced levels of estrogen being produced. Estrogen is the thermostat that keeps a woman’s body heat in check.
During the perimenopause phase, periods are irregular and the first signs of menopause will manifest – hot flashes (which can manifest for up to 10 years after menopause), sleepless nights, and mood swings.
Why You Have Postmenopausal Bleeding
The menopause phase comes after 12 months without a monthly cycle. Estrogen is almost non-existent. Women will experience more frequent urinary tract infections (UTI), vaginal dryness, and may develop polyps. They are at greater risk of developing uterine cancer. Some women also find themselves sporting a large belly due to the increased production of the androgen hormone which is no longer being regulated by estrogen.
How Long Does PMS After Menopause Last
PMS can last 4 to 5 years. The good news is there is decreasing intensity and frequency over the years. There is no “right answer for everyone. Each woman will experience this phase of their life in their own unique way. There are no set rules for how you should be feeling during menopause.
Other Associated Illnesses
- Thyroid problems
- Tumors
- Unwarranted stress
- Cardiovascular disease
- Osteoporosis
Pregnancy During Menopause
Yes, you can get pregnant after 50, especially if you are experiencing irregular periods. This means you still have viable eggs that may be fertilized during intercourse.
To be in the clear and not require protection while enjoying your partner’s company, you need to have gone through 12 consecutve months of no periods. This indicates you no longer have any eggs and will not be getting pregnant again.
How To Stay Healthy During Menopause
There are many different types of treatments ranging from medicinal to natural remedies.
What You Can Do
- HRT (hormone replacement therapy) is administered by your doctor and is used to replace the estrogen you no longer produce naturally
- Take vitamins – the most helpful are A, K, B6/12, C, and D
- Drink Black Cohosh Root tea – helps reduce vaginal dryness and hot flashes
- Light daily exercise – walking, biking, or swimming
- Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol
- Sleep more – take naps during the day, go to bed earlier at night, create a regular sleep routine
What To Avoid
- Big meals – your body needs to work harder to digest and the extra work will bring on the hot flashes
- Highly processed foods
- Spicy foods
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Caffeine
- Stressful situations
Contact Your Doctor
Your primary caregiver will be part of your menopause journey. It is important to tell your doctor if you experience unusual bleeding after 12 months of no periods.
This could be something simple like the thinning of the vaginal walls to more serious conditions like cancer.
Keep your doctor in the loop. When caught early, it could mean the difference between life and death.
In Summary
There are not many women who would not love to kiss PMS goodbye for good. The sad reality is, this will be around until well into their 50s and 60s. Most of the time the symptoms will diminish with the passing years. However, women need to pay attention to their bodies. These symptoms could be a result of an unexpected pregnancy or of a very serious illness.
We would love to hear from you. Tell us about your PMS after menopause experience.