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Condition

Postmenopause

The stage of life after the menopause milestone, when estrogen levels remain low.

The stage of life after the menopause milestone, when estrogen levels remain low.

Postmenopause refers to the years after a woman has gone 12 months without a period. Estrogen levels stay low, and estrone becomes the predominant circulating estrogen.

Because low estrogen affects bone and genitourinary tissue over time, postmenopause is when conditions such as osteoporosis and genitourinary syndrome of menopause are more likely to be addressed.

Related terms

Menopause

The point marked by 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

Osteoporosis

A condition of weakened, porous bone that raises the risk of fractures.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause

Vaginal and urinary changes from low estrogen after menopause, such as dryness and irritation.

Critical window hypothesis

The idea that the effects of menopausal hormone therapy depend on how close to menopause it is started.

Source

MedlinePlus: Menopause

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