Menopause is definitely a tricky time. Many women experience unpleasant symptoms during this period caused by hormonal imbalance. The duration and severity of the symptoms may vary from person to person. Typically, a woman starts noticing these unusual signs around her mid-40’s when her reproductive capability comes to the end, and on average, it lasts nearly four years from the last period. In some cases, women may experience menopausal symptoms for up to 12 years. Of course, these symptoms become annoying and interfere with feeling good throughout the day.

The most common symptoms and signs of menopause

Hot flashes

Hot flashes mean a sudden sensation of warmth or heat that spreads over your body. They usually accompanied by a flushing and redness on the face and upper body. The severity of hot flashes may vary from minor flushes to a sensation of flames. Why does it happen? Hot flashes occur as the body’s reaction to a small amount of estrogen. When a woman approaches menopause, her estrogen levels start decreasing. About 75 to 85 % of women in the United States suffer from hot flashes during menopause.

Night sweats

Night sweats are severe hot flashes that happen during sleep and are followed by intense sweating. Night sweats aren’t actually a sleep disorder, but it may result in sleep troubles and insomnia. Nighttime sweating is very common in menopausal women and can range from mild to intense. It can be caused by hormonal imbalance, but other factors may also play a role. So, pay attention to the temperature in your bedroom.

Irregular periods

Most of the women experience irregular periods at a certain point in their lives. The most common cause of irregular periods is hormonal imbalance. Periods may come earlier or later than usual. Problems with hormones may also result in skipping periods and bleeding between menstruations. Women who are going through menopause start experiencing menstrual irregularity because of decreasing levels of estrogen and progesterone. But remember, irregular periods may be a symptom of other conditions, so consult with your doctor.

Vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness occurs when the normal moist feeling of the lining of the vagina disappears, and the symptoms, such as irritation and itchiness, develop. It happens as a result of decreasing estrogen levels too. The vaginal tissue begins to be drier and less elastic. Vaginal dryness is one of the most unpleasant things that may happen during menopause, so it is important to seek proper treatment for this condition to maintain your well-being.

Mood swings

Menopausal mood swings can be difficult to cope with. A woman experiencing mood swings may feel like she lives on a roller coaster: one minute she is upset, the next moment she is happy. The severity of mood swings can vary from woman to woman. In some cases, the changes can be so serious that it may really ruin your daily life. Like other menopausal symptoms, mood swings are caused by hormonal imbalance and can be relieved.

 Hair loss

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Many women notice hair loss when they approach menopause. It is also a result of low estrogen levels. As it turns out, hair follicles need estrogen to grow. Hair loss may be gradual or sudden, but in any case, this symptom is very upsetting for most women. Luckily, there are ways to treat hormonal imbalance and improve the hair condition.

 Fatigue

Fatigue that is accompanied by a feeling of weakness and lowered energy levels is a very typical sign of menopause. It may also include irritability and apathy. Fatigue during menopause is caused by fluctuating of hormonal levels. Doctors are able to manage this condition threatening the underlying hormonal imbalance.

 Sleep problems

Tossing and turning during the night, insomnia, and other sleep disorders are usually linked with menopause. Women in this period may find that their sleep is not so good as earlier.

 Difficulty concentrating

Some women in menopause have troubles remembering things or have difficulty in concentrating. Obviously, it can be confusing and may have a big impact on daily life. Estrogen deficiency is a major contributor to these symptoms. However, sleep problems can also play a huge role.

Osteoporosis

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Osteoporosis is a specific bone disorder that results in thinning and weakening of the bone. It also means a general decrease in bone density. Menopause has an adverse impact on bone growth. Typically, old bone is replaced with new bone cells, but this process slows down with age. Estrogen plays an important role in calcium absorption, so when estrogen levels drop, it leads to an accelerated reduction in bone density. Women in menopause are much more susceptible to fractures and breaks.

Menopausal symptoms are unpleasant, but doctors know several ways how to improve them. Talk to your gynecologist about your complaints.

This article is solely for informational purposes. Do not self-diagnose or self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for any harm that may result from using the information provided in the article.