The mere word menopause is sometimes spoken in hushed tones. The stigma associated with the changes a woman may experience may seem daunting, but this significant milestone in a woman’s life does not mean the end of healthy living and fulfillment.
Thanks to advancements in medicines that treat the symptoms of menopause, many women realize that this period of life can be a time for introspection and celebration as a new chapter begins.
From hot flashes to the end of your menstrual cycle, below is a list of physical and emotional symptoms women may face during menopause.
If you think you may be experiencing menopause related symptoms, call Eagles Landing OB/GYN to schedule an appointment: 770-474-1919.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Menopause
1. Missing Periods. This is one of the most common side effects of menopause. If you have not had a period for an extended period of time, it is a sign that the ovaries have stopped producing certain levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones, and they are no longer releasing eggs. Menopause officially begins when you have not had a period for 12 months.
2. Urinary Tract Infections. Some women experience a decrease in the capability to hold their urine because of the lack of elasticity and vaginal tone.
3. Mood Swings. Changes in the ways that you react to situations or how people perceive your intent can be signs of mood changes. They can be very sudden and sometimes you might not even be aware of them.
4. Tummy Weight Gain. Menopausal weight gain usually accumulates in the midsection – one of the hardest areas of the body to lose weight. As you age, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially because studies have shown that post-menopausal women are at increased risk of heart disease.
5. Night Sweats. Night sweats are caused by changes in estrogen levels that trick your body into thinking you have an elevated body temperature. You awaken with a racing heart, cold and clammy skin and a bed soaked with sweat.
6. Lack of Libido. Changes like vaginal dryness, tender breasts and painful sex make many women lose their desire during menopause. Some women even feel more self-conscious and undesirable, which can lead to feelings of depression. There are treatments and medications to help reduce these symptoms and get you back into the groove.
7. Vaginal Dryness. During menopause, vaginal moistness and softness often diminish significantly due to the drop in estrogen levels. You can check out gels, prescription oral and cream medication, and vaginal rings to remedy the issue. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a doctor-prescribed option that helps your body to produce its natural lubrication.
8. Insomnia. You can expect a chronic lack of sleep as a woman begins to experience menopause because estrogen levels lessen and the brain sends out fight-or-flight response chemicals that keep you on high alert through the night.
9. Skin & Hair Changes. Lower estrogen levels cause hair to be brittle and sometimes fall out while skin is more prone to wrinkles, acne and eczema flare ups. Thankfully, there are products that can help rejuvenate and maintain healthy looking skin and nails during menopause.
10. Memory Loss. Thanks to hormonal changes, the part of the brain responsible for memory are affected. So being in a constant brain fog is an expected side effect at the beginning stages of menopause
