Indicative Signs of Menopause

Posted On March 14, 2023

Some women may experience menopause symptoms for years before their last period. Others may have no symptoms at all. It is not uncommon to experience menopause symptoms for a few months and then find they have subsided. A GP should diagnose Jackson Heights menopause to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

What is menopause?

Menopause is the point in a woman’s life when her ovaries stop producing eggs, and she can no longer become pregnant. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 but can happen earlier or later. Menopause is a natural process, not a medical condition.

The cause of menopause is the natural decline in a woman’s ovarian function. This happens because the ovaries run out of eggs and produce less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

The most common symptoms of menopause are:

Hot flushes

Hot flushes are the most common symptom of menopause. It happens when the skin feels suddenly hot, often with a red flush that comes and goes. You may also sweat during a hot flush. Hot flushes can happen at any time of day or night, and some women have them several times a day.

Night sweats

Did you wake up last night soaking in sweat? You’re not alone. Many women going through menopause have problems with night sweats. They can be so severe that they wake you from a sound sleep and leave your sheets and clothing drenched.

Sleep problems

If hot flushes keep you up at night, you may feel tired during the day. Menopause can also cause insomnia and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Lack of sleep can make concentrating hard and make you feel irritable.

Mood changes

It’s common to feel more tearful, anxious, or depressed during menopause. You may also feel less confident and have mood swings. The fluctuating levels of hormones cause these mood changes during menopause.

Vaginal dryness

When estrogen levels fall, vaginal tissue thins and loses elasticity, resulting in vaginal dryness, irritation, and burning, intercourse can be excruciating. Dryness might also increase your susceptibility to vaginal infections.

Urinary problems

During menopause, declining estrogen levels can cause changes in the urethra and bladder, making you more likely to get urinary tract infections or have difficulty controlling your urine flow (incontinence).

Weight gain

Many women gain weight during menopause, especially around their middle. This is partly due to aging but may also result from lifestyle factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and changes in diet.

Things to do to ease menopause symptoms

There are many things you can do to ease the symptoms of menopause.

• Get regular exercise: Exercise is one of the best things you can do to manage menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, and mood swings. It also helps improve sleep quality.
• Eating a healthy diet is critical for regulating menopausal symptoms and overall health. Eating enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while minimizing processed meals, saturated fats, and sugar will assist you in controlling your weight, mood, and energy levels.
• Manage stress: During menopause, it is important to find ways to manage stress. Stress can worsen hot flashes and lead to weight gain, anxiety, and sleep problems.

If you are experiencing menopause symptoms, talk to your menopause specialist at Raveco Medical about ways to manage them.