What to expect after menopause

Symptoms differ from person to person and can change over time. Treatment is available when they disrupt sleep, comfort, relationships, work or everyday activities.

Lower oestrogen can make vaginal and urinary tissues thinner and less elastic, causing dryness, discomfort during sex, urinary urgency or repeated urinary symptoms. Pelvic floor weakness may also contribute to heaviness or a vaginal bulge.

Bone strength and cardiovascular health also deserve attention after menopause. Personal risk depends on factors such as medical history, medicines, smoking, movement, nutrition and family history.

Regular weight-bearing activity, strength work, balanced meals, adequate sleep and avoiding tobacco support general health. Lubricants can ease friction during sex, while vaginal moisturisers are used regularly for ongoing dryness.

Discuss persistent symptoms with a clinician. Options may include non-hormonal measures, local vaginal treatment or systemic menopause therapy, selected after reviewing your symptoms, preferences and medical history. Continue routine health checks and screening offered for your age and risk profile.

Any vaginal bleeding after menopause needs medical assessment, even if it happens once or looks like light spotting. Also arrange care for a new breast change, persistent pelvic pain, a vaginal bulge, pain during sex or urinary symptoms that do not settle.

Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe sudden pain, fainting, chest pain, breathing difficulty or weakness affecting one side of the body.

Ask which treatment choices fit your main symptoms, whether medicines or health conditions affect those choices, how to use vaginal products correctly, and which bone, heart or cancer screening checks apply to you.