By Womanez
Knowing you are experiencing the onset of menopause can be tricky since some of the changes your body is going through are very much like the natural part of aging. Basically less estrogen is being produced. Since estrogen is a part of many bodily functions, you could experience any number of symptoms from mild to difficult. Here are some of the common indicators.
Period Changes
This is probably the first thing you notice. Periods can become longer or shorter, heavier or lighter. It can also be some combination that varies from month to month. You should let your doctor know and schedule a special visit if:
• Periods come very close to each other
• Heavy bleeding
• Spotting
• Periods that last longer than a week
• Periods resume after an absence of more than a year
Hot Flashes
A hot flash is a sudden feeling of heat that can be isolated in the upper part of your body, or the entire body. Usually the face and neck are red and blotches can appear on the chest, back and arms. It can be mild or strong enough to wake you from a sound sleep. Most flashes last between 30 seconds and 10 minutes. Their occurrence can vary from a few times a day or just occasionally during the week. Often there is sweating, sometimes heavy, followed by chills as the moisture evaporates from the surface of the skin.
Dry Vagina
The vagina may get drier which will make intercourse uncomfortable or even painful. There are lubricants your doctor can recommend or prescribe.
Bladder
There can also be vaginal or bladder infections. As the bladder loses control, it can become more difficult to retain their urine long enough to reach the bathroom. There can also be unexpected, sudden urges to urinate. There can be leakage during exercise, sneezing, or laughing. This is one of those symptoms that may be more related to the natural aging process than to menopause, as it is equally common among men as they age.
Sleep
Sleep patterns change. The natural rhythm of waking and sleeping is different. It can be difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Night sweats can interrupt slumber.
This is a mystery yet to be solved. There are different theories like family changes as children grow and leave home, aging parents to be concerned with, or being constantly tired from poor sleep. Even though it is considered common, don't ignore worsening depression. Seek emotional support or medication.
Body Changes
You will probably notice a thickening around the waist and a greater tendency to fat. Aches and pains seem more prevalent and you may notice some memory issues. Again, these are just as likely to be natural aging processes as menopausally related.
All of these symptoms vary by individual, race, ethnicity, and geography. Speak with your doctor about treatment options and coping mechanisms. There are also websites like https://womaneze.com/ that can be helpful to help with the control of menopause symptoms.
