As the ovaries age and generate less reproductive hormones, menopause is a natural process that takes place. Since puberty, this cycle has been running consistently. Your ovaries produce less oestrogen as menopause approaches. As a result of this decline, your menstrual cycle (period) begins to change. It can start off regular, then stop. When you have gone 12 months without having a period, menopause officially starts. It can develop before or after this age range, but often develops between the ages of 47 and 55.
Uncomfortable symptoms of menopause include hot flashes and weight gain.
What really happens?
A change in your regular menstrual pattern is typically the first indication of the menopause. You can start experiencing unusually light or heavy periods.
Your menstruation cycle can also be impacted. You might get one every two or three weeks or you might go months without getting one. You’ll eventually stop having periods entirely.
Although every woman will experience this phase in a unique way, there are some typical symptoms to watch out for. Some of these can be unexpected, while others you will be aware of.
The three stages
Periods become erratic during the perimenopause. You may completely skip one or more periods or experience late periods. The amount of menstrual blood may also change.
Menopause is characterized by a one-year absence of menstruation.
Years following menopause are referred to as postmenopause.
Sign and Symptoms
If any or all of the following signs start to appear, you may be approaching menopause:
1.Hot flashes
There are night sweats and hot flashes. You might feel warm or hot abruptly and for no apparent cause if you get hot flashes. Both your heartbeat and your skin may become flushed red. You can then experience a sudden chill. Night sweats are the term for hot flashes that happen at night. You may wake awake as a result of their intensity. Hot flashes and night sweats might differ from woman to woman, just like so many other menopause symptoms do.
2. Sleep Problems
You have problems falling asleep. There are many reasons why people wake up throughout the night or have trouble falling asleep, but if you don’t usually have issue sleeping, it could be a clue that you’re on the verge of menopause. It can occasionally be brought on by vasomotor symptoms like night sweats. It could be time to see your doctor if sleep issues persist for a long and you are unable to determine the cause.
3. Mood Swings
Your mood might be impacted by a variety of factors, including the menopause-related hormonal changes. If you’ve ever had anxiety or depression, menopause may make your symptoms worse. You deserve to feel wonderful for whatever reason. Tell your doctor if you’ve been unwell for more than a few weeks. You and your partner can choose a course of treatment to make you feel better.
4. Loss of memory
Men and women alike may experience brief memory lapses in their middle years, such as difficulty coming up with a word or forgetting where they put their keys. It rarely causes much of a fuss. Menopause can cause forgetfulness, but other causes like stress can also cause it. Inform your doctor if you believe you are forgetting too much.
5. Having sex makes you feel differently
When going through menopause, some women claim they are less interested in having sex or find it difficult to become aroused. Other women claim that because they don’t have to worry about things like getting pregnant, they are more relaxed and enjoy sex more. Your vaginal skin may become drier during menopause. Because of this, intercourse may hurt. The “personal lubricants” gels can be useful.
6. Physical changes in the body
Additionally, you’ll notice that your skin and hair are getting dryer and thinner. Some women’s weight gain during menopause may occur. Also, changes to your body could result in a loss of muscle and an overall increase in body fat, including more body fat around your waist. Furthermore, you could find it a little harder to move if you have painful or restricted joints. Keeping active is crucial. In order to maintain your strength and physical fitness, you might have to work harder.
7. Depression
Many women go through menopause with symptoms of worry, lack of confidence, “brain fog,” and other mental health-related issues.
These psychological signs and symptoms are brought on by your body’s changes and can significantly affect your life.
Even though these signs aren’t often accepted as menopause symptoms, knowing what to expect can help you make decisions about how to treat your symptoms and deal with your feelings.
Additionally, some people might go through
- Pounding heart
- Headaches
- Aches and pains in muscles and joints
- Libido (the sex urge) changes
- Memory lapses or attention problems (typically brief)
- Gaining weight
- Hair thinning or loss
Whenever to visit a doctor
Keep regular doctor’s appointments for both preventive care and any medical difficulties.
As you get older, suggested health screening tests including colonoscopy, mammography, and triglyceride screening may be part of your preventive health care. Additionally, depending on your medical history, your doctor might advise thyroid testing as well as breast and pelvic checks.
Always consult a doctor if you experience vaginal bleeding after menopause.
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