10 Postmenopause Statistics in 2025

 


Postmenopause begins when a woman hasn't experienced her monthly period for longer than 12 consecutive months. This means that a woman’s reproductive years are over and she can no longer be pregnant. There’s no exact age for postmenopause but on average, it happens around 52.

At this stage, some menopause symptoms, like hot flashes and night sweats become milder. However, some experience serious health issues, like cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis because of declining estrogen. 

1. 77% of postmenopausal women experience low sex drive.

As per John Hopkins Medicine’s data, half of women in their 50s report continued sexual activity. But it declines to 27% in their 70s. The decreasing estrogen levels is the top reason as it reduces natural lubrication in the vagina, leading to vaginal dryness and painful sex. 

Additionally, as people age, chronic pains and illnesses consume much energy. It keeps them from engaging in any physical intimacy with their partners. 

2. 28% of postmenopausal women experience depression.

It’s not just declining hormones. Postmenopausal women enter empty nest syndrome where they experience feelings of sadness, loneliness, and loss when their children leave home. Others are dealing with marital strains. Also, it’s a trying time since women take care of their sickly parents or grieve their loss, all the while dealing with some menopausal symptoms and gradual aging.

3. A UCL-led study showed that more than 90% of postmenopausal women were never taught about menopause at school, and over 60% started looking for information about it once their symptoms started.

While health education is taught in schools, menopause isn’t included or only a small part of it is discussed. This lack of awareness leads women to delay doctor's consultation or medication as they don't know the right approach to this condition. Additionally, the menopause social stigma prevents women from opening up about their health conditions. As a result, it influences their quality of life.

4. 90% of women diagnosed with endometrial cancer experienced postmenopausal bleeding.

According to the American Cancer Society, treating menopause symptoms using estrogen alone (without progesterone) increases endometrial cancer risk to women with uterus. To lower the risk, menopausal

women are advised to take combined hormone therapy (estrogen and progestin).

Additionally, obesity is a strong risk factor of endometrial cancer and hormone changes. A woman’s ovaries produce enough estrogen before menopause but some fat tissues change hormones (androgens) into estrogens. This influences estrogen levels, especially after menopause. Thus, having more fat tissue increases estrogen levels and leads to endometrial cancer risk.

Furthermore, gaining weight as you get older and experiencing weight cycling (gaining and losing weight many times in your life) are linked to higher postmenopausal endometrial cancer risks.

5. 57.5% of postmenopausal women find menopause difficult or very difficult. 

While some menopause symptoms ease after menopause, other symptoms continue to be present. For example, hot flashes and night sweats (vasomotor symptoms) sometimes last up to 12 years. This causes discomfort and inconvenience. Moreover, postmenopausal women are prone to osteoporosis and heart health issues. These risks add worry to their aging health.

6. One in two postmenopausal women will have osteoporosis, and most will suffer a fracture during their lifetime.

According to Deborah Sellmeyer (M.D., medical director of Johns Hopkins Metabolic Bone Center), after age 50 bone breakdown surpasses bone formation, accelerating bone loss (particularly during menopause). 

The declining estrogen levels during menopause largely contribute to this condition. Also, women’s bones are smaller and denser than men’s. Poor lifestyle habits, like inactivity, smoking, overuse of alcohol, and low intake of calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein contribute to bone health issues. 

7. Therapeutic Advances in Urology noted that postmenopausal women’s UTI risks doubles when they are over 65.

The drop in estrogen levels after menopause. This leads to thinning urogenital tissues and the gradual loss of acidity in the vaginal opening. Without the acidic barrier, bad bacteria grows easily and works its way up to the urinary tract. 

Also, older women experience incomplete bladder emptying. This allows bacteria to live in residual urine, leading to recurring UTIs. Furthermore, diabetes, incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse increase urinary health issues. 

8. Half of postmenopausal women experience urinary incontinence.

As per National Institutes Health data, urinary incontinence affects 50% of postmenopausal women. Declining estrogen weakens the pelvic floor muscles and thins the urethral lining, reducing bladder control. Also, aging and childbirth history contribute to weakened pelvic support. 

This increases stress incontinence risks. As a result, reduced bladder elasticity and incomplete emptying further worsen urinary control. Additionally, obesity, diabetes, and chronic coughing add pressure to the bladder, leading to frequent leaks.

9. 75% to 80% of postmenopausal women experience hot flashes and night sweats.

The hypothalamus that regulates the body’s temperature remains sensitive to low estrogen after menopause. It misinterprets normal body heat as excessive and triggers sudden widening of the blood vessels, which increases blood flow and causes the body to release heat and sweat. Also, the autonomic nervous system remains overactive in some women. It prolongs hot flashes and night sweats frequency and severity. 

10. According to the Cleveland Clinic, postmenopausal women may lose up to 25% of their bone density at the rate of about 1% to 2% per year.

Postmenopausal women experience rapid bone density loss because of the decreasing estrogen levels. Without enough estrogen, the body starts breaking down bone tissue faster than it can rebuild it. 

As a result, significant bone loss happens within the first few years after menopause. Reduced bone density increases the risk of fractures, particularly in the hip, spine, and wrist.

Sources

Menopause Statistics, Facts, and the Latest Research for 2024

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Nine in Ten Women Were Never Educated about the Menopause

Study Provides Closer Look at Postmenopausal Bleeding and Endometrial Cancer

Menopause and Bone Loss

5 Health Risks Women Face after Menopause

Up to 14 Yers of Hot Flashes Found in Menopause Study

Postmenopausal Health Concerns

Postmenopausal Bleeding







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