Menopause – Symptoms

Menopause is experienced differently by every woman. While a friend may make the transition smoothly, you may face multiple physical and psychological changes. The commonly experienced symptoms of menopause are:

Irregular menstrual bleeding

Your menstrual period may become irregular in frequency as well as in quantity. This menstrual irregularity also means a decrease in fertility.

Hot flashes and sweating

A hot flash is a feeling of warmth spreading over the body, noticeably over the head and chest, lasting from 30 seconds to several minutes. This is believed to be brought on by the falling levels of estrogen. Hot flashes may be accompanied by drenching sweats at nighttime.

Changes in the vagina

The drop in the circulating levels of estrogen makes the vaginal walls thinner, drier, and less elastic. This may cause vaginal dryness or itching and also increase the risk for infections. Because of the vaginal dryness, you may have pain during sexual intercourse.

Psychological changes

Menopausal women often display psychological symptoms such as memory problems, irritability, mood swings, and depression.

Osteoporosis

The reduced levels of estrogen in the bloodstream of postmenopausal women may make their bones more porous and brittle, leading to a condition known as osteoporosis.

Other changes

Weight gain, particularly around the waist, changes in skin texture, loss of breast fullness, and hair growth on the chin and upper lip are some of the other physical changes associated with menopause.