Understanding The Real Symptoms of Menopause

For many women, the concept of menopause seems like a far-off possibility… until the first symptoms arrive. As body changes and the unwelcome hot flashes begin to appear, many women ask themselves: Is this really menopause, or am I just worried about nothing?

For women in their 40’s and 50’s, menopausal symptoms can begin to appear seemingly out of nowhere. Even those who are in relatively good health may begin to experience a variety of physical and emotional symptoms that may cause concern. However, relying on the experience and advice of others may leave you wondering if what you are struggling through is the real deal.

While many women will give you advice and caution about the menopause that may be based on their own experience, everyone has a unique journey. If you are wondering if your symptoms are truly signs of impending menopause, here is a list of the true symptoms.

As with any health-related guide, avoid basing your diagnosis or treatment solely on this list. Work closely with your healthcare professional to determine your menopause diagnosis. And if you don't have a healthcare professional who knows how to manage menopause...consider giving us a call.

The Physical Symptoms Of Menopause

Irregular or Skipped Periods

You may experience periods that are irregular- varying between shorter and longer, as well as periods that are heavy or light. Some women may experience extreme changes month to month, and others have reported that they skip their periods entirely.

Hot Flashes

Menopause and hot flashes are almost synonymous. However, breaking out in a sweat in the middle of the night may not necessarily be a sign of menopause.

A true menopausal hot flash will feel like a sudden, sometimes intense feeling of heat. The heat will often rush to your face as well as your upper body, leading to uncomfortable feelings of tightness, swollenness, and feelings similar to an allergic reaction. Hot flashes can be incredibly uncomfortable and may last from mere moments to hours.

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Night Sweats

Similar to hot flashes, night sweats are hot flashes that can strike in the middle of the night. With similar symptoms to hot flashes, night sweats can be uncomfortable, wake you up unexpectedly, and disrupt your sleep.

Trouble Sleeping

Outside of night sweats, menopause can often cause other sleep difficulties. These can include feelings of insomnia, difficulty “turning off your mind” to fall asleep, and trouble with staying asleep long enough to get adequate rest. Women in menopause also report waking up earlier than usual.

Vaginal Changes & Discomfort

During menopause, the lining of your vagina will often become thinner and drier. It may also become less stretchy, leading to uncomfortable or painful intercourse. This dryness and thinning of the lining can lead to more frequent infections and other vaginal health issues.

Increased Urinary or Bladder Infections

With the changes to your reproductive system, you may discover that you have more frequent urinary tract infections or bladder infections. You may also experience an increased need to urinate, which can also lead to increased infection issues.

Mood Swings & Changes

During menopause, the changes you experience are often driven by hormone changes. These changes in your hormone levels not only cause physical symptoms, but they also impact your emotional and mental state. You may experience increased feelings of anxiety, mood swings, and a general feeling of discomfort and irritability. Many women also report that their sex drives decrease as well.

Decrease In Bone Density

Women experiencing menopause often report a loss in bone density and strength. Some have even reported a new or increased diagnosis of osteoporosis - the weakening of bones due to decreases in calcium and Vitamin D in their system.

If you are worried that your bones may be weakening due to menopause, consider adding a new daily regimen of mobility exercises and cardio workouts to build bone and heart strength. Also make sure that you are getting the recommended amount of nutrients from Vitamin D, calcium, and other supplements to boost your system.

Trust Your Healthcare Provider

While the list above is a great way for you to understand the common symptoms of menopause, it is wise to always meet with your personal healthcare provider to ensure that you know if your symptoms are a sign of menopause or something else.

Not only can your doctor help you understand whether or not you are experiencing menopausal symptoms, they can also help you learn the methods and treatments that are available for a variety of symptoms.

You never have to suffer through menopause alone - always remember that you have a community of women and healthcare experts ready to help you navigate menopause.

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