Menopause 
Postmenopause can be a difficult and confusing time for a woman. It is the moment after menopause, when a woman is no longer able to get pregnant.
During this stage, when a woman is struggling with physical or emotional postmenopausal symptoms, she has to contend with the concept of aging and the emotional impact associated with infertility. It can be a difficult time of her life, and it is important to remember that there are people to support her and help her through it.
Read on for suggestions of who can help with postmenopausal distress and anxiety.
Your Doctor
Your doctor should be the first port of call for any physical or symptomatic concerns that you may have. If you are concerned about ongoing menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes or night sweats, consulting your doctor is a good place to start. It is important to seek medical advice if you experience vaginal bleeding more than 12 months after your last period, as this could be a sign of potentially serious poor health of the vaginal and uterine area.
Your partner
It is highly important you reach out to your partner while you're experiencing postmenopause symptoms. He may not be fully aware of what you are going through, but he could give you much-needed support. While it can be a difficult topic to breach, try speaking to him about how you are feeling at this pivotal moment in your life, and what your physical symptoms are doing to your body. If you do not communicate with him, it could cause friction in your relationship and worsen some of your symptoms, such as anxiety.
Your Friends
f you have friends of a similar age, you are likely experiencing similar symptoms and emotions. Talk about how you are feeling with your friends, laugh, and help each other through this challenging time. Support from your friends is essential for emotional health and reaching out, in turn, could help them open up, as well.
Postmenopause can be a difficult stage of a woman's life. For medical or symptomatic concerns, it is important to consult a doctor. For moments of anxiety, your partner, friends and family are there to support you.
For more information on postmenopause, and how its symptoms may be treated, click on the link below.
Sources
- BMJ Group. "Menopause: What is it?" Patient Leaflet. 2007.
- Hopkins, Virginia. Lee, John R. M.D. What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause. New York: Warner Books Inc., 1996.
- Love, Susan M.D. Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.
- Martin, Raquel. The Estrogen Alternative. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2000.
