What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

Hormone levels do not usually decline in a uniform way. They rise and fall again and again over time. These hormone fluctuations are what cause the various symptoms that women have during this time of life. These hormones affect a woman's breasts, vagina, bones, blood vessels, digestive system, urinary tract, and skin.

The symptoms of postmenopause will vary from woman to woman. Some women may continue to have symptoms of perimenopause, including:

Within 4 or 5 years after her last period, a woman may start to get urinary tract infections. Women also may have vaginal drying. The walls of the vagina become thinner and dryer. The walls lose elasticity, and women are more prone to vaginal infections. Sexual intercourse may be painful. Some women may not have much interest in sex, while others report an increased interest in sex following menopause.