Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, but it can be accompanied by a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Here are 5 common symptoms of menopause that women may experience, and what they can do to manage them.
- Slowed metabolism that leads to weight gain
Menopause, as well as the years leading to it called perimenopause, causes a drop in a woman’s metabolism.
Slowed metabolism can indeed lead to a sudden weight gain, but this is more evident in women who are already overweight even before their menopause begins.
It is important to note that weight gain in relation to menopause is a bit more complex. A lot of women struggle with weight gain after menopause, but there are many factors that could also contribute to it.
For instance, menopause often comes with mood swings and this could lead to a woman eating more as a form of stress relief.
According to HealthPartners, the decline in estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause leads to a decrease in muscle mass, resulting in a slower metabolism. This reduced metabolic rate means that fewer calories are needed to maintain your current weight. Additionally, as your metabolism slows down, other bodily functions also experience a decrease in speed during menopause.
In many cases, poor lifestyle choices such as binge-eating high-fat and high-calorie foods are what lead to an eventual rapid weight gain.
Dietary changes that include nutrient-rich foods are suggested for balancing moods as well as maintaining an ideal weight.
- Vaginal dryness that leads to painful sex
Vaginal dryness may occur to every woman at different stages of life. However, the vaginal dryness that comes after menopause can be a real pain, quite literally.
When a woman reaches menopause, her body doesn’t produce enough female sex hormones that would usually wet the vagina upon sexual arousal.
As such, it may take a long time for a menopausal woman to feel ready for penile penetration. However, if her partner is not patient or understanding enough, then penile penetration can be quite painful as the woman’s vagina is still dry.
This isn’t nearly the end of the world though, as lubricants are very helpful in such a situation. On top of that, there are options for hormone replacement therapy to help ease a menopausal woman’s sex life.
Although things are no longer the same, there’s always a coping mechanism available if you talk to your doctor.
- Hot flashes that lead to irritability
Way before menopause even happens to a woman, many have already heard about hot flashes. In fact, a lot of women dread the idea of menopause when they hear about hot flashes.
Hot flashes occur because your hypothalamus (literally your body’s thermostat) becomes incredibly sensitive to minute changes in body temperature.
If your hypothalamus thinks your body is too warm, it starts to cause hot flashes to cool itself down. This mechanism is triggered by the decreased oestrogen levels that happen in menopause.
According to the National Institute on Aging, hot flashes are the most prevalent symptom experienced during menopause and perimenopause, known as vasomotor symptoms (VMS). These hot flashes are believed to be triggered by the declining effectiveness of the ovaries and the gradual reduction in hormone production, particularly estrogen and progesterone, as women go through the menopausal transition.
Hot flashes are very uncomfortable and could lead to general irritability. In some women, hot flashes can be a source of depression, too.
It is indeed tough to deal with, but in reality, not all women go through symptoms of hot flashes once they reach menopause. Regular hot flashes are also caused by other factors, such as lifestyle, diet and exercise.
- Night sweats that lead to sleeping problems
Another common symptom that usually occurs with menopause is night sweats. Night sweats and hot flashes usually occur hand in hand.
The sudden drop of key female sex hormones causes the body to become more easily stressed.
It’s like your body is constantly in fight or flight mode and you may wake up in the middle of the night, sweating heavily, feeling hot, and most of all, anxious.
You may even experience rapid heartbeats. As such, this may make it very hard to fall back asleep. When this sleep disturbance happens repeatedly, this decreases the quality of your sleep.
As a result of that, you may have a difficult time concentrating during the day. You may feel very lethargic and slow to tend to tasks. This may cause even further stress in your life.
If night sweats have become a serious hindrance, you need to consult your doctor.
- Horrible mood swings!
How Do I Know If I’m Starting Menopause?
Menopause is a natural and inevitable biological process that occurs in a woman’s life. It marks the end of her reproductive years and the beginning of a new phase of life. Menopause is not a sudden event, but a gradual transition that can last for several years. As a woman, it is essential to understand the signs and symptoms of menopause to prepare oneself for this significant change in life.
Menopause can occur anywhere between the ages of 45 to 55, with the average age being 51. However, it is not uncommon for women to experience menopause in their late 30s or early 40s. The process of menopause starts when a woman’s ovaries gradually stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and fertility. This reduction in hormone production leads to the end of the woman’s menstrual cycle and eventually, menopause.
The signs and symptoms of menopause vary from woman to woman, and not all women experience the same symptoms. Some women may experience mild symptoms, while others may have more severe symptoms that can significantly impact their daily lives. The most common signs and symptoms of menopause include irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and sleep disturbances.
Irregular periods are usually the first sign of menopause. As a woman approaches menopause, her periods may become shorter, longer, or skipped altogether. This happens because the ovaries are producing less estrogen, which is responsible for thickening the uterine lining. As a result, the lining may become thinner, leading to lighter and irregular periods.
Hot flashes and night sweats are the most common symptoms of menopause. These sudden and intense feelings of heat can cause sweating, flushing, and a rapid heartbeat. Hot flashes can occur during the day or at night, and they can last for a few seconds to several minutes. Night sweats can disrupt sleep and lead to fatigue and irritability.
Mood swings are also prevalent during menopause. The hormonal changes can cause women to experience irritability, anxiety, and depression. These mood swings can be challenging to manage and can impact a woman’s relationships and overall well-being.
Another sign of menopause is vaginal dryness, which is caused by the decrease in estrogen levels. With less estrogen, the vaginal tissues become thinner, drier, and less elastic. This can lead to discomfort during sexual intercourse and increased risk of urinary tract infections.
Along with physical symptoms, menopause can also affect a woman’s emotional and mental well-being. The hormonal changes can lead to sleep disturbances, which can cause fatigue and irritability. Many women also report feeling more anxious and forgetful during menopause.
If you are experiencing these signs and symptoms, it is essential to consult your doctor to confirm if you are indeed going through menopause. Your doctor may conduct a physical exam, review your medical history, and perform a blood test to check your hormone levels. If you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months, your doctor may diagnose you with menopause.
While there is no cure for menopause, there are several treatment options available to manage its symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common treatment for menopause, which involves taking estrogen and progesterone to replace the hormones that the body is no longer producing. Other non-hormonal treatments, such as antidepressants and natural remedies like herbal supplements, can also help alleviate menopause symptoms.
In conclusion, menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life that can come with a variety of physical, emotional, and mental changes. If you are experiencing irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, or any other symptoms mentioned above, it is essential to consult your doctor. With the right support and management, menopause can be a smooth transition into a new phase of life.
