We will talk about the signs of menopause. Menopause isn’t something that is often talked about and when it does appear in the media it’s usually as a joke dealing with hot flashes. But menopause can be very difficult for women. There are often misconceptions and even superstitious beliefs about the process and what can really happen to you during menopause. It can be a bit confusing and overwhelming.
Common Misconceptions about Menopause
One of the most common misconceptions about menopause is that it’s going to be awful. It is a common misbelief that menopause makes a woman more irritable and uncomfortable. Although it might be the case for some, the majority of women will not feel the same effect. Another misconception is that menopause will make you feel uninterested in sex. According to Dr. Jacqueline Thielen, a doctor specializing in women’s health, “that is far from the truth. In fact, some of my older patients in their 80s are probably the ones that are most engaged in their sexual relationships. It really is about finding comfort with yourself and the ability to share with someone else no matter what are you’re at.”.
It is also often believed that menopause starts at around 50. Although this is the typical age of women entering menopause, women may experience menopause earlier or later than 50. Although menopause will bring changes to a woman’s body and daily routine, there is nothing to be afraid of. Menopause is a natural part of aging.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is more than just entering a stage where your ovaries are no longer producing reproductive cells. It isn’t just about not having periods anymore. Just because you missed a month or two of your menstrual cycle in your late 50s, doesn’t mean you’re already in your menopause period. Menopause happens when a woman’s ovaries stop producing egg cells every month and menstruation stops for twelve (12) months consecutively. Estrogen and progesterone levels change during menopause. The reproductive cycle begins to slow down as a woman ages. A woman’s ovaries begin to make less estrogen and progesterone as time goes by to the point where menstrual cycles (periods) become irregular and then stop.
Signs of Menopause
- Irregular or missed periods. One of the common signs of menopause is having irregular periods or sometimes, even missing your monthly menstrual cycle. This is due to the fact that a woman’s ovaries are starting to produce less egg cells every month until it finally stop.
- Hot flashes and night sweats. Hot flashes and night sweats commonly occur during sleep and may sometimes be intense when you wake up. Red rashes may appear on your skin that may sometimes feel warm or hot for no reason. Most of the time, these hot flashes only last for about one to five minutes. Some cases last more than that.
- Vaginal dryness. The skin around a woman’s vagina may become drier as time goes by. This is due to the fact that “natural lubricants” are no longer being produced as much as before. Although to some women, this may result to being less interested with sex, others may feel even more aroused because they no longer have to worry about being pregnant. Interest in sex varies from woman to woman.
- Having trouble sleeping. Hot flashes and night sweats may be uncomfortable sometimes. Being uncomfortable may sometimes result to being unable to sleep. Nearing menopause, women may experience more and more discomfort during sleep leading to many being unable to sleep. Waking up in the middle of the night and having trouble going back to sleep may happen more.
- Regular mood swings. With all of these symptoms combined, it is natural for some women to experience more mood swings. If a woman had anxiety or depression before menopause, it may worsen during menopause. If these mood swings get worse as time goes by, it is still more than recommended to go seek professional help.
At the end of the day, signs and symptoms of menopause vary from woman to woman. The emotional impact of menopause will be different for each woman. Some may be delighted that they no longer have to worry about monthly periods during menopause, some may experience disappointments or sadness due to not being able to be pregnant anymore. Some may be neutral about it; some may be greatly affected. Menopause is a natural stage brought by aging and is a part of the lives of women. Experiencing one, two or even more of these symptoms is a part of going through menopause, but always remember that in any case these symptoms become severe or if you’re worried, it’s always safer to go seek the help of doctors. Every woman deserves to be happy and comfortable no matter their ages or stage of menopause. Remember menopause doesn’t have to be a hot, horrible, miserable mess. Menopause doesn’t have to take over your whole life. Email me for a free chat or download my menopause book. https://mailchi.mp/5434a1a2cdd9/mymm-ebook
