Introduction
Have you noticed that your periods have become irregular? Do you always feel hot, especially in the middle of the night? If so, it could be a sign of menopause. Menopause happens after age 40 or 50, when the ovaries stop releasing eggs, making women infertile naturally. This can affect every part of your body, including your mood, emotions, memory, and even skin! But don’t worry: there are things you can do to help with symptoms like these before they become serious medical issues.
Changes in the menstrual cycle
Menstrual changes are a common early sign of menopause. In fact, the first change in your period can happen as early as your mid-40s, though it’s more likely to happen around 50 years old.
What you should know:
- Your periods may be irregular—some months it’ll come on time and others it won’t
- Your periods may be longer or shorter than usual
- Your periods may become heavier—you might have an especially heavy flow one month and a much lighter one the next time around
- You may also notice that your cramps are stronger than before
Emotional changes
Some common symptoms you may experience are:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Panic attacks
Vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness is a common symptom of menopause caused by decreased estrogen levels. In fact, its prevalence increases with age and can be experienced by as many as 40% of women in their 40s and 50s.
While there are several factors behind the onset of this symptom during menopause, there are plenty of treatments available to help keep your vagina comfortable:
- Water-based lubricants may work well for some women – although they can increase your risk for yeast infections or UTIs (urinary tract infections)
- Switch up your routine every few months so things don’t get stale. Remember: variety is key when it comes to pleasure products
Hot flashes
Hot flashes are one of the first signs of menopause that you may experience. These are caused by a sudden change in temperature and can feel as if you’re sitting in front of an open oven while wearing a wool sweater. While hot flashes aren’t dangerous, they can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life.
Many different factors determine when someone experiences this symptom; however, it’s important to know what causes these episodes so that you can take steps towards controlling them.
Changes in appetite and weight
Changes in appetite and weight are common during menopause. Some women notice that they’re eating more food than normal, while others have less of an appetite for food. Some women experience increased cravings for certain types of foods like sweets or salty snacks, while others may find that their cravings have decreased and they no longer desire the same foods as before.
In many cases, these changes in appetite can be directly linked back to a change in hormone levels. Increased estrogen levels are associated with increased hunger, whereas decreased estrogen levels lead to decreased hunger and weight loss. On the other hand, higher testosterone is responsible for increasing appetite so if this is something you’re struggling with, then it’s worth checking your hormone levels and consulting with your doctor about whether they recommend trying hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or another treatment option.
Sleep problems
Sleep problems are the most common complaint by women going through menopause. These include:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Waking up in the middle of the night or early in the morning and being unable to go back to sleep
- Feeling tired during the day
- Being irritable
Reduced sex drive
You may experience a decrease in your sex drive as well as you may also have difficulty reaching an orgasm during sexual intercourse and/or masturbation.
Urine problems
One of the first signs of menopause is a change in your urinary tract. You might notice:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): These are more common in women who have had children, but they can happen to all women at any time. Symptoms include:
- Painful urination
- A burning sensation when you pee
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Incontinence: In this case, you leak urine when sneezing or laughing hard—or even when coughing or lifting something heavy—even if there’s no urge to go at that moment.
If you see these signs, get checked out!
If you or someone you know has these symptoms, it’s best to get a hormone test and if something’s off, go to the doctor to get checked. Your doctor can help determine whether you’re experiencing menopause or another condition that needs treatment.
The sooner you diagnose menopause, the better it will be for your health in general and for dealing with any medical issues associated with it. Being aware of your female cyclicity can help you have a better transition. It’s never too late!