Some women glide right through menopause while others agonize for months or years with uncomfortable symptoms. Every woman is different so there is no way to tell how your own passage will affect you. If you are between 45 and 50, you may begin to notice 7 signs menopause may be beginning.
Let’s Define Menopause
At a certain age, women begin to have a decrease in sexual hormones especially estrogen. This affects her ability to conceive, have children, and is a normal part of aging. When this happens, the ovaries stop releasing eggs, periods stop, and a woman can no longer get pregnant.
When a woman has stopped having periods for a full twelve months, she is “officially” menopausal. The time period before menopause is known as perimenopause and some symptoms begin to show up then and can last for months or even years.
What are some of the signs you are beginning menopause?
Haphazard Periods
Maybe you have been regular your entire life, and suddenly you have no clue if or when to expect your next period, how long it will last, and how heavy or light it may be. These are early clues that menopause is beginning.
Needing A Personal Fan
Night sweats and hot flashes are common signs of menopause. When you least expect it, you are suddenly drenched in sweat and flushed in the face. Some women experience night sweats so severely, they wake up.
Moodiness, Or The “Wicked Witch Of The West” Syndrome
It’s not really funny if it’s happening to you! Some women experience severe moodiness with increasing anxiety, irritability, and depression. Their mood can change on a dime, and it is normally due to hormonal changes during menopause. You can feel like you are becoming someone else, and nothing is normal.
Talk with Dr. Eads if this issue is becoming severe. There is no need to suffer through this.
When Counting Sheep Does Not Help
One of the worst signs of menopause coming is not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep all night. If this is not your normal sleep pattern, it could be the beginning of menopause.
Forgetfulness
Everyone experiences some fuzzy thinking as they approach middle age, and although it is probably not serious, check with your doctor if you get anxious about it.
Weight Gain And Slow Metabolism
A sure sign of menopause is weight gain. Even if you have never had trouble with your weight before, you may notice you are gaining pounds although there is no change in your diet or exercise activity. Your metabolism slows down and it’s harder to lose weight once you gain a few pounds. Try eating less and increasing your activity.
A Potpourri Of Signs Menopause May Be Beginning
As mentioned before, some women have a few symptoms, some none, or others can have a combination of the following:
- Vaginal dryness
- Reduced libido
- Headaches
- Reduced bone mass
- Increased hair growth like on the face
- Dry skin and thinner hair
- Loss of breast fullness
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and they seem severe, call (832) 813-0979 to make an appointment with The Women’s Centre for Well Being.