What Are the Signs of Menopause?

When women go through menopause, they experience a variety of symptoms. While each woman is different, most experience at least a handful of the common symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild to severe.

So, what are the signs of menopause?

Irregular periods

Irregular periods are the most common sign that a woman is going through menopause. Some women have longer or shorter periods while others experience lighter or heavier periods. Other women skip periods from time to time.

This will occur until women finally stop having periods altogether. Women are officially menopausal when they have not had a period in a full 12 months. At that point, they can no longer get pregnant.

Hot flashes

Many women also experience hot flashes when going through menopause. Hot flashes make women feel as if they are burning up from the inside and no matter what they do, they cannot cool off. The heat usually occurs in the upper body and face and it goes away in a matter of minutes. When hot flashes occur while sleeping, the symptom is referred to as night sweats.

Some people experience hot flashes several times a day while others only have a few in a month.

Vaginal changes

Hormone changes during menopause cause the vagina to become drier and thinner. This can cause discomfort during sex. Women who experience this problem should consult with an OBGYN.

Sleep issues

Many women experience sleep issues during menopause. Some experience insomnia while others wake up much earlier than normal. It is also common to wake up multiple times during the night when going through menopause.

Changes in mood

It is normal to undergo some mood changes during menopause. As the hormones in the body change, women might become irritable or find themselves crying without reason. It is also common for women to feel more anxious than normal during menopause. If the symptoms become severe, women might have to take mood-stabilizing medications until they make it through menopause.

Forgetfulness

Estrogen impacts memory, so many women experience forgetfulness when going through menopause. Women who experience lots of hot flashes are more likely to experience verbal memory loss. An OBGYN can help patients who are suffering from this symptom.

Thinning hair

Thinning hair can also occur during menopause. This happens due to a hormonal imbalance. Some women just lose a small amount of hair while others lose clumps. This typically stops once women make it through menopause.

Hair growth on the face

The same hormones that cause hair to fall out of the head can make it grow on the face. Menopausal women sometimes develop additional peach fuzz or get patches of dark hair on their chins.

Get help managing menopause symptoms

It is normal to feel stressed when going through menopause. With so many symptoms, it can feel as if your body is fighting against you. There are treatments to manage the symptoms of menopause, though. If you want help with your symptoms, contact your OBGYN for help.

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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