VAGIFEM^® estradiol/norethindrone acetate tablets

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+ About atrophic vaginitis

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Glossary terms on this page

Atrophic vaginitis
Thinning of vaginal tissues with irritation, pain and inflammation; due to loss of estrogen at menopause.
Estrogen
Hormone secreted by the ovaries that influences a woman's sexual development and menstrual cycle.
Hot flashes or hot flushes
"Heat waves" that flush the upper body and face; caused by declining levels of estrogen during perimenopause.
Menopause
The cessation of menstrual periods; occurs at the time of a woman's final menstrual period, but is determined following 12 months without a period. Average age among women is 51 years.
Postmenopause
A stage in a woman's life that begins one year after her final menstrual period.
Sexually transmitted disease
An infection spread through sexual intercourse or intimate sexual contact.
Symptom
Any complaint believed to be an indicator of disease. For example, vaginal dryness or irritation can be symptoms of atrophic vaginitis.
Vagina
Lower part of the birth canal; receives semen from the penis and allows menstrual flow to exit.

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+ Home + About menopause + Postmenopausal health

Staying healthy during postmenopause

Most women can live a vibrant and active life beyond menopause. The postmenopausal years can be healthy and productive if you take good care of yourself by following the following tips.

Stop smoking

Smoking greatly increases your risk of lung cancer. Compared with nonsmokers, smokers experience menopause about two years sooner and have a much greater risk of developing blood clots when taking estrogens. In fact, smokers over age 35 shouldn't be using products that contain estrogens at all. Ask your healthcare professional about modern tools to help you quit smoking.

Exercise daily

Regular exercise benefits the heart and bones and helps you maintain a healthy weight. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise—it's free, reduces the risk of falling, and helps strengthen muscles

Eat wisely

Eating a variety of foods from the major food groups provides most of the nutrients you need to stay healthy. Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D help you maintain strong bones. A postmenopausal woman needs 1000 to 1500 mg of calcium daily just to maintain the bone structure she has. Limiting fat, sugar, and alcohol consumption contributes to weight control as well. Your healthcare professional can check your cholesterol level and advise you about dietary changes that could curb heart disease. Don't forget to drink plenty of water.

Practice safe sex

Only 23 of every 100 pregnancies in women over 40 are planned. It's dangerous to assume that you won't get pregnant until you've gone at least a year without a period. And menopause does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases. If you don't use male or female condoms, you are not protected from disease.

See your healthcare professional regularly

Your healthcare professional performs routine screening tests, such as checking for high blood pressure or cholesterol, examining your breasts for breast cancer, and performing a Pap smear to check for cervical cancer. After age 50, you should also be checked for colon cancer. You can work with your healthcare professional to prevent or manage diseases.

Stay active

Staying physically and mentally active is good for health. Use this new stage of your life to explore new opportunities and enjoy yourself!