Postmenopause is the stage that begins the day after an individual has officially reached the menopause milestone, and it lasts for the rest of their life. During this phase, many of the more disruptive symptoms of perimenopause, such as hot flashes, may begin to ease or subside, though for some they can persist for years. Due to the persistently low levels of estrogen, the postmenopausal years are associated with an increased risk for certain long-term health conditions, particularly osteoporosis (bone loss) and cardiovascular disease. Consequently, proactive health management and preventative care become especially important during this lifelong stage.