Menopause is the time when menses (shedding of the uterine walls), ceases. Menopause marks the end of the fertile period of a woman’s life. It comes as a blessing to some and as a curse for others. While, on one hand the monthly chore of menses ends, on the other hand, many women experience menopause symptoms throughout their menopausal transition, and some even for their entire lifespan.
Menopause is a natural occurrence for women. At some point in their lives (usually mid ages 40-50), menopause is triggered. However, the menopause age may be different for some women. Sometimes menopause of another nature may be triggered in women. Instances of this include if your ovary has been surgically removed, as a side effect of chemotherapy or menopause that occurs from being taken off HRT (hormonal therapy) which is referred to as cold turkey menopause.
These are one of the most common symptoms of menopause. They are experienced suddenly as flashes that spread warmth throughout the body – from the most delicate tingling sensation to an inferno. Usually, as a side effect of hot flashes, redness spreads over the face and upper body.
Another common symptom of menopause is sweating during sleep. This nocturnal disease is not a sleeping, but a common perspiration disorder that occurs in menopausal women.
As women approach menopause, periods start to become more and more irregular. This common, and one of the earliest symptoms of menopause, should get the alarm bells ringing. The most common cause of irregularity in periods is hormonal imbalance. Since menopause sets off hormones in your body, it is expected that irregularity in periods will mark the beginning of menopause.
This is a complex problem that occurs as a common symptom of menopause. It might or might not be considered problematic because there is a marked difference between not feeling the need for a sexual partner and thinking that something is wrong because you have a low level of desire. Loss of libido, however, does not only result because of hormonal imbalance, but might also be due to medicine.
Due to hormonal changes, certain tissues in the vagina may dry up causing irritation and itching. This is a common symptom of menopause. You might face problems in intercourse because of vaginal dryness and sex becomes more risky because of proneness to infections. As an emotional consequence of vaginal dryness, many women may experience stress and sadness.
Mood swings are natural and very much part of the menopausal transition. Because you’re facing an otherwise unknown change, you might feel afraid, unwanted or even aging. Just remember that this a natural symptom of menopause and the best way to get through this is to stay calm, consult a doctor and accept it for what it is.
Hair needs estrogen. Because menopause lowers levels of estrogen, hair loss will become probable. Hair may become drier and break as a symptom of menopause. This sign is usually noticed by women earlier than others.
One of the most unwanted symptoms of menopause is weight gain. This is a widely discussed symptom because, as many doctors believe that weight gain is related to hormonal imbalance, others argue that weight gain is a separate issue that is related to aging and lower metabolisms. There are many symptoms of menopause such as headaches, fatigue, depression, gum bleeding etc., but the ones above are the most common or worrisome. Don’t stress. Your health is in your hands so learn to manage menopause effectively. And remember you can get through this!
