There are many symptoms and signs that usually appear before the one-year anniversary of your final period. Some of the early symptoms of menopause are: irregular periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, sleep disorders and fatigue.
Irregular Periods
The periods can last for a few days or become longer. These changes are more noticeable in your forties. Your ovaries are making less estrogen and progesterone, which are the hormones that regulate menstruation. At this point fertility declines to a certain extent due to these hormonal effects. However, in the final months before reaching menopause, it is still possible to get pregnant.
Hot Flashes
Hot Flashes can be experienced as unbearable heat spreading over the body creating a redness on the face and upper body. This is caused due to a decreased supply of the hormone estrogen. However, not all women experience hot flashes. Some women have night sweats or “nocturnal hyperhidrosis” which is a common perspiration disorder that takes place while sleeping.
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness occurs when the levels of estrogen drop. The vaginal tissues start drying and they become less elastic.
Mood Swings
Mood swings can be common, however, chronic and severe mood swings are a psychological disorder and you should consult a physician in such case.
Sleep Disorders
If you have difficulty sleeping, feel restless in bed or have insomnia, once again these symptoms can be connected to menopause.
Fatigue
Fatigue is another common symptom. All that energy that used to be felt seems to be gone. Women are easily irritable, become less active and apathetic.
As you can see there are many symptoms and women can have a combination of them. Hair thinning, difficulty concentrating or remembering something, some weight gain and dizziness add up to the list as well.
Menopause is definitely a challenging period for women. In times where so much information is available, women should try and prepare themselves better for this transition. There are many ways a woman can find menopause relief. A good diet, physical exercise, meditation, Tai Chi, Qi Gong or any activity that will help women keep the internal energy flowing and relax, might provide comfort and create an environment where women and not the hormones will be the protagonists.
