Search Here
Menopause, a natural biological process, marks the end of a woman's reproductive years and typically occurs around the age of 45 to 55. While menopause is commonly associated with the cessation of menstrual periods, the transition into this stage of life often involves a range of symptoms that can begin months or even years before periods stop altogether.
Here are several symptoms of menopause that can creep in prior to periods stopping:
Irregular Menstrual Cycles
As women approach menopause, their menstrual cycles may become irregular, with variations in cycle length, flow, and frequency. This irregularity can manifest as shorter or longer cycles, skipped periods, or episodes of heavy or light bleeding. Tracking menstrual patterns can provide valuable insights into the transition to menopause.
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Hot flashes and night sweats are hallmark symptoms of menopause, characterized by sudden sensations of heat, flushing, and sweating. These symptoms can occur prior to periods stopping and may vary in intensity and frequency. Hot flashes and night sweats can disrupt sleep and affect overall quality of life for many women transitioning into menopause.
Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort
Decreased estrogen levels during perimenopause can lead to vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort. These symptoms may result in pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse and can impact sexual health and intimacy. Using lubricants and moisturizers and discussing concerns with a healthcare provider can help manage vaginal dryness effectively.
Mood Changes and Emotional Symptoms
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can contribute to mood changes, including irritability, anxiety, and mood swings. Some women may also experience symptoms of depression or heightened emotional sensitivity during this time. Prioritizing self-care, seeking support from loved ones, and considering counseling or therapy can help manage emotional symptoms.
Sleep Disturbances
Sleep disturbances, including insomnia and difficulty falling or staying asleep, are common during perimenopause. Hormonal changes, night sweats, and mood disturbances can all contribute to disrupted sleep patterns. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, practicing relaxation techniques, and creating a conducive sleep environment can support better sleep quality.
-
The transition into menopause is a unique and individual experience for every woman. While the cessation of menstrual periods is a defining characteristic of menopause, it's essential to recognize that the journey often begins with symptoms that can appear years before periods stop altogether. By understanding and acknowledging these symptoms, women can seek support, explore treatment options, and navigate this transformative phase with greater ease and empowerment. Remember, reaching out to healthcare providers for guidance and support is key to managing symptoms and promoting overall well-being during perimenopause and beyond.
Menopause is manageable. If you or someone you know is going through this stage of life, you may be wondering how to manage menopause.
Menopause is a natural process that many people associate with uncomfortable symptoms. Many women report mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, and weight gain. Despite the unpredictability, menopause is manageable. With a basic understanding and simple lifestyle choices, women can thrive during this time.
How do you manage some of the common complaints? Well, it helps to start with a grasp on what causes this change.
Menopause is a time in a woman’s life when the menstrual cycle stops. During this period, the ovaries produce less of a hormone called estrogen. Changing hormonal levels affect many body processes.
Three phases make up the process of menopause:
Premenopause (“pre” means "before"): years before periods stop, estrogen levels decrease and periods may become irregular
Perimenopause (“peri” means "around"): the ovaries lower estrogen production, and periods stop; when a woman has not bled in 12 months, she has reached menopause
Postmenopause (“post” means "after"): after menopause, symptoms become milder and less frequent
Menopause generally affects women in their 40’s or 50’s. Studies show that the onset age of menopause is affected by many factors, including genetics (age the mother began menopause), the number of pregnancies a woman has had, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and other factors. The average age for menopause in the United States is 52.
Symptoms may last during the postmenopausal time for up to four or five years, but they will become lighter.
Menopause varies among women. Yet, many report some common symptoms.
Empowering women with understanding about the natural process, and recommending lifestyle changes known to improve signs and symptoms, helps patients and their doctors manage menopause.
So, below you will find details about what causes these common complaints, and ways to manage them.
Mood swings happen with menopause because of changing hormone levels. Estrogen decreases during menopause. This important hormone relates to production and regulation of other key hormones such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
Serotonin is a mood-stabilizing hormone. Thus, fluctuating estrogen levels can lead to a disruption in serotonin production.
In other words, women in perimenopause may notice that they feel more emotional, sensitive, anxious, or worried.
To reduce or prevent mood swings, women should practice healthy habits, including:
Doctors believe that night sweats and hot flashes occur during menopause because of hormones. Estrogen and progesterone hormones help to regulate body temperature. During the natural process of menopause, when hormone levels change, many women find that they experience periods of feeling very hot to the point of sweating, even though their environment has not changed. Night sweats are episodes that occur while sleeping.
Hot flashes vary from seconds to minutes. They may happen once a day or 20 times in a day. Some women never experience them at all.
To deal with hot flashes, women could:
Weight gain is another common complaint of menopause. And it happens because, you guessed it, hormone changes. Estrogen plays an essential role in regulating fat storage. As estrogen levels go down during menopause, there are changes in the way the body stores fat. Also, for many women in their 40’s and 50’s, activity levels decrease, and metabolism slows. This triple whammy makes weight gain probable.
To prevent menopausal weight gain, women might consider:
Menopause symptoms generally become less intense and less frequent as time goes on. Some women may experience few or none at all. Yet, if you feel like your symptoms are severe or disrupt your life, you should talk to your doctor. There are other medical treatments, such as medications or hormone replacement therapies, available.
To talk with one of our board-certified physicians, click below to schedule an appointment. My Virtual Physician offers comprehensive OB/GYN services to address women’s healthcare needs. Our caring experts can treat menopausal signs and symptoms. If you have suggestions for other topics you want to read about, let us know! Don’t forget to follow us on social media.
