Menopause is the final stage of every woman’s menstrual cycle and reproductive years. After a woman has gone a full year without a period, she is considered to be in menopause. While some women go through menopause without any issues or unpleasant symptoms, for many women, the severe symptoms of menopause overshadow the process.
Simply put, there isn’t a checklist of menopause symptoms that applies to everyone, but there are some warning signs that you might want to be aware of. This week, the Healthsaverguide team offers extensive information on some of the symptoms and signs of menopause, their causes, and what you can do to manage them.
What Exactly Is Menopause?
The term menopause refers to the end of a woman’s monthly period cycle. It is frequently referred to as the “change of life” because it signifies the end of a woman’s reproductive years. Usually beginning between the ages of 40 and 50, menopause does not occur suddenly or with a clear indication. Surgery-induced menopause, on the other hand, occurs “suddenly” in women who have had their ovaries removed. The years just before menopause, when symptoms can be quite distressing, are referred to as “perimenopause.”
What Are the Signs of Menopause?
As previously stated, women experience a wide range of symptoms during menopause. Despite the fact that each woman is unique, the majority of them experience at least some of the common menopause symptoms, which can range from mild to severe in terms of severity. If you are over 40 and experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, you may be experiencing menopause.
1. Changes in the Monthly Period Cycle
One of the typical signs of menopause is a change in the menstrual cycle. While others have heavier or lighter periods, some women have shorter or longer periods. Some women occasionally skip their periods. This will continue until a woman eventually stops getting her period altogether. After missing their period for a full year or more, women are considered to be officially menopausal. They can no longer become pregnant after that.
2. Hot Flashes
What are hot flashes, you ask? Hot flashes are sudden, often intense, waves of heat that hit your upper body, especially your face. They are quite uncomfortable and last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. Hot flashes are among the most prevalent symptoms, affecting about 70% of females. While others may only experience them once or twice a month, some women experience them several times per day. Although varying hormone levels are the actual cause of hot flashes, stress plays a significant role in this symptom. So, lowering stress might help with hot flashes.
3. Poor Sleep
Another typical menopause symptom is poor sleep quality. Again, hormonal changes are usually to blame in this situation. Some women find it extremely difficult to fall asleep after going to bed, and others wake up during the night and are unable to fall asleep again. As a result, sleep disorders may impair memory and concentration as well as daily functioning. Well, for women experiencing sleep disorders, a low dose of HRT (hormonal replacement therapy) will help to improve their symptoms.
4. Weight Gain
You stick to the same diet. You continue to work out, possibly even more. There has been no change in your daily routine! However, your body weight has unexpectedly increased. Does that sound familiar? Gaining weight gradually but uncontrollably, particularly in the abdomen, is a warning sign of impending menopause. Again, hormonal changes during menopause are to blame for weight gain and changes in body composition. Including seasonal fruits and vegetables in your daily diet and engaging in physical activity can help alleviate these symptoms and maintain a healthy BMI. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle as you get older is essential, particularly in light of the fact that several studies have indicated that post-menopausal females are more vulnerable to heart disease.
5. Mood Swings
Everything is suddenly wrong; everyone is being rude to you, your friends and co-workers are all idiots, and your neighbour’s child is crying much louder than usual. Truthfully, the real culprits are your erratic hormone levels. According to studies, various factors, such as insufficient sleep and the sudden weight gain mentioned above, may be to blame for mood swings and irritability. The good news is that mindfulness-based techniques such as meditation and yoga can significantly improve your mood and sense of well-being. Furthermore, menopause is said to trigger depression, so consult your doctor if you believe you have been depressed for a long time.
The Bottom Line
Many women who have milder menopausal symptoms may be able to cope on their own. However, if you believe it is causing you distress and you are unable to find relief, speak with your doctor about practical ways to alleviate your menopause symptoms. Stay tuned to healthsaverguide.com.au for more informative blogs on similar topics.
