Each woman’s experience with menopause is unique. While this can be a welcomed change for some women, marking the end of one phase of life and the beginning of a new one, it can be quite challenging for others. If you’re experiencing symptoms of menopause and aren’t sure what to do about them, read on for information about how to deal with these unpleasant symptoms.
Knowing what to anticipate can help you prepare for and manage your symptoms. In this article, we will discuss the most common symptoms of menopause. Remember that everyone’s experience is different, so if you don’t experience all or any of these symptoms, that’s perfectly normal.
What is the menopausal transition?
The menopausal transition, also known as perimenopause, marks the shift into menopause. This is when you start to feel the different symptoms that most people associate with menopause, like hot flashes and night sweats. On average, it lasts around seven years, but durations of 10 years and more are not unheard of.
According to the National Institute on Aging, it can happen anytime between your late-30s and mid-50s, but 45 to 55 is most common. The ovaries gradually produce less estrogen during perimenopause, and menstruation becomes irregular. As a result, women may experience various symptoms, which we’ll delve into in a moment.
Although perimenopause can be a challenging time, it’s important to remember that pregnancy is still possible during this phase. Therefore, it’s a good idea to use birth control unless you’re trying to conceive.
The transition into menopause is marked when a woman hasn’t had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. Once this occurs, a woman is considered to be in menopause.
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What are the most common signs and symptoms of menopause?
1) Change in Your Period – The most common symptom of menopause is a change in your menstrual periods. They may become lighter, heavier, or more irregular. These are regular changes, but if you have any concerns, be sure to speak with your doctor.
2) Hot Flashes – Hot flashes are a sudden feeling of warmth, usually followed by sweating. They’re one of the most common menopausal symptoms.
3) Night Sweats – Night sweats, or hot flashes that occur while you sleep, can cause you to wake up drenched in sweat. These can be incredibly disruptive to your sleep.
4) Sleep Problems – Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep is another common symptom of menopause. This can be due to hot flashes or night sweats, but also simply from stress or anxiety related to your body’s changes.
5) Vaginal Dryness – With lower levels of estrogen comes vaginal dryness. This can lead to pain during sex and an increased risk of infection. Be sure to speak with your doctor if you’re experiencing this symptom.
6) Urinary Incontinence – Urinary incontinence, or the loss of control over your bladder, is another common symptom of menopause. This can be caused by the weakening of the muscles around the bladder and vaginal dryness.
7) Weight Gain – Many women experience weight gain during menopause. This is often due to a change in their metabolism and a decrease in muscle mass.
8) Fatigue – Fatigue is another common symptom. It can be caused by various factors, including sleep problems, stress, and changes in hormones.
9) Memory Problems – Some women report feeling like they’re feeling delusional or experiencing extreme brain fog during menopause. This can be accompanied by forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating.
10) Mood Swings – Mood swings are another common symptom of menopause. They can be caused by hormonal changes, fatigue and sleep problems.
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What is the best menopause relief?
Going through menopause can be a complicated and overwhelming experience for many women. In addition, the changes in hormone levels can cause various symptoms, as we’ve seen. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to menopause, personalized supplements can help to alleviate some of the challenges women face.
At BodyLogicMD, our experts are dedicated to helping women transition through menopause as comfortably as possible. We offer hormone testing at home to help you understand your unique hormonal needs. And with our holistic approach to care, we can create a customized hormone or supplement plan that is just right for you. So if you’re ready to take control of your menopause symptoms, contact us today.
