Signs and Symptoms of Menopause

Wondering if you are in menopause? While some women will immediately know if they are entering menopause, it can be difficult for others to tell. Some women will experience every sign and symptom of menopause there is, and others will experience minimal symptoms or even none at all. Since menopause is truly different for every woman, it is essential for a woman who believes she is entering menopause to make an appointment with her OBGYN so she can know for sure.

What exactly is menopause?

Finding out what menopause means is important for all women. It is something that every woman will go through, and it usually starts sometime in their late forties or early fifties. It is a time when a woman is transitioning out of her reproductive years, which means she’s entering a new phase of her life that allows her complete freedom. When a woman experiences certain signs and symptoms that are difficult to deal with, she needs to see an experienced OBGYN to learn about the treatment options available to her.

Signs and symptoms of menopause

Menopause is confirmed when a woman has not had her period for 12 consecutive months. The list below includes some of the more common signs and symptoms women experience when going through menopause.

Hot flashes

Hot flashes are a common sign of menopause, as well as perimenopause. A hot flash is a sudden feeling of heat that comes in waves over parts of the body or the entire body. They can last for one minute or a few minutes. They can occur a few times every week or a few times every hour.

Incontinence

The reduction of estrogen often causes the lining of the urethra to become thinner, which in turn causes a woman to feel such an urgency to urinate that she does not always make it to the bathroom on time.

Mood changes

Changes in a woman’s mood, more commonly known as mood swings, are due to the lowering of hormone levels. When a woman’s hormones begin to deplete, it tends to cause various types of changes throughout her body, e.g., fatigue and irritability.

Inability to focus and concentrate

Changes in hormonal levels can also lead to a woman’s inability to focus or concentrate, also known as brain fog. This is especially true of estrogen, which connects with parts of the brain that have to do with verbal memory and organizing information.

Gaining weight

A drop in a certain type of estrogen can potentially lead to a woman gaining a few pounds. Estradiol is a form of estrogen that assists in regulating a woman’s metabolism, as well as her overall body weight. When this type of estrogen begins to deplete, it is not uncommon for a woman to gain weight.

Have questions?

Now that you know the signs and symptoms of menopause, are you entering this stage of your life? Since every woman is different, it is necessary for you to be evaluated by an OBGYN to understand more about your menopausal state. During your appointment, feel free to bring all of your questions about entering menopause with you, so you can get the answers you are looking for.

Request an appointment here: https://omgwellnessmd.com or call Optimal Medical Group at (559) 425-1118 for an appointment in our Fresno office.

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