Postmenopause is the stage of a womans life after menopause, which is defined as the time when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. During postmenopause, a womans reproductive years are behind her, and she is no longer ovulating (releasing eggs) . Menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, may become milder or go away completely during postmenopause. However, some women continue to experience symptoms of menopause for longer.

Postmenopausal women are at an increased risk for certain health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and urinary tract infections. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle and to go for regular cancer screenings such as cervical and breast exams. Women should also seek medical advice if they experience any postmenopausal symptoms that interfere with their daily life.

Postmenopause officially begins 12 months after a womans final period. Women can confirm if they are in postmenopause based on their symptoms and how long it has been since their last menstrual period. In some cases, a healthcare provider may take a blood sample and check hormone levels to confirm that a woman has gone through menopause.