As women reach the age of 40, many begin thinking about menopause and how it will feel to move into a time of life when reproduction is no longer an option. For some, menopause is like a rebirth with freedom from periods, cramps, and birth control options. Others fear menopause symptoms will change their life for the worse. Often the most troublesome part of menopause is the onslaught of symptoms, which often seem to pop up out of the blue. Here are 20 of the more common menopause symptoms.
Hot flashes
An instant increase in body temperature leaves a woman feeling like her internal temperature has skyrocketed.
Night sweats
Waking in the middle of the night, sweating profusely.
Lack of sex drive
Libido drops when hormone levels drop. Thoughts of sex many be few and far between without coercion from a partner.
Vaginal dryness
Women often find they need lubrication for daily comfort and sexual intercourse.
Mood swings
From happy to sad to depressed, moods can vary hourly, daily, or weekly.
Fatigue
Lack of sleep from night sweats can lead to a lack of energy during the day.
Thinning hair or hair loss
Hair follicles require estrogen to grow.
Sleeplessness or insomnia
Hot flashes, night sweats, and hormone levels make sleeping difficult.
Disorientation and memory lapse
Often associated with lack of sleep and estrogen deficiency.
Loss of balance
May be associated with fatigue, stress, and estrogen levels.
Weight gain
Slowing metabolism and low estrogen can lead to fat redistribution and storing.
Incontinence
Surgery, childbirth, and age are associated with this common menopause symptom.
Bloating
Another symptom associated with age, some doctors link bloating to lactose intolerance or diets high in sodium and low in potassium.
Body odor
Associated with increased sweating due to hot flashes and night sweats.
Rapid heartbeat
Typically occurring during perimenopause.
Depression
Estrogen is linked to serotonin levels. So less estrogen could mean less serotonin leading to depression.
Anxiety, irritability, and panic
These all fall into the mood swing category and are often associated with hormonal changes.
Headaches
Lack of estrogen can lead to menopause migraines. HRT should stop the pain.
Joint pain
Linked to fluctuating hormone levels in the body.
Electric sensation in the head or on skin
Thought to be linked to estrogen levels, pain, or electric sensation can feel like a rubber band snap. Some women suffer this symptom before a hot flash.
These are just a few of the symptoms associated with menopause. As is the case with any chronic condition, some women suffer from a few and others suffer from many. A gynecologist can help work through the most severe symptoms and offer treatment options.
Read More:
Symptoms of Menopause
Alternative Treatment for Menopause
Menopause Diet
When Menopause Affects Your Sleep
