Common symptoms associated to with menopause become obvious during the perimenopause stage. While some women do not experience unpleasant changes or complications, others consider it to be a very tough phase where symptoms can last for years.
Symptoms experienced during menopause are mainly because of a decrease in the production of two sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. Symptoms vary from individual to individual. The estrogen hormone is responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and impacts on the following parts of the body:
● Blood vessels.
● Bones.
● Breasts.
● Brain.
● Heart.
● Hair.
● Mucous membranes.
● Pelvic muscles.
● Reproductive system.
● Skin.
● Urinary tract.
The primary symptoms of menopause are as follows:
Change in Menstrual Cycle
During menopause, your period cycle may not be as regular as it used to be. Bleeding becomes light or heavier, with occasional spotting and periods tend to become shorter.
A missed menstrual cycle can be because of pregnancy or menopause. Therefore, it is better to rule out pregnancy first before considering menopause.
If you start spotting after 12 months of consecutive missed periods, it is important to consult a doctor to rule out chances of severe medical conditions such as cancer.
Hot Flashes
A common symptom of menopause is hot flashes. A hot flash is a sudden sensation of heat that quickly spreads over the body. Hot flashes may result in your face and neck becoming red, and you may feel flushed and sweaty. The intensity of a hot flash varies – some are so severe that they can cause disturbance in sleep. Generally, a woman is likely to experience hot flashes for a year or two after the last menstrual period. Hot flashes may continue after menopause, but become less frequent over time.
Painful Intercourse
A thin layer of moisture is present on the vaginal wall which gets removed with a decrease in the production of progesterone and estrogen. While vaginal dryness can be experienced at any age, women going through menopause are more likely to experience this change.
Vaginal dryness can result in painful intercourse where women feel like urinating frequently. Using a lubricant can help overcome this issue.
Women also experience a decrease in libido during menopause. Reduced production of the sex hormone affects sex drive.
Sleeping Disorders
Doctors recommend seven to eight hours of sleep for adults. However, women dealing with menopause may have difficulty sleeping. Exercising and relaxing your mind and body can help overcome sleep disorders related to menopause.
Frequent Urge To Urinate
Many women dealing with menopause lose control of their bladders, feel pain when urinating and develop a need to urinate without a full bladder. The reason is that vaginal tissues lose elasticity and the lining becomes thin. Pelvic muscles also become weak.
Keeping hydrated, avoiding alcohol and doing Kegel exercises can help overcome this problem.
