9 menopause symptoms women should prepare themselves for
Menopause is unavoidable for women and pretty much all of them have to go through the not-so-pleasant phase at some point or the other. Though 51 years is considered the average age when women cease to menstruate or be fertile, for some it may occur as early as the 30s or as late as the 60s. Given the lack of reliable lab test to predict when they will experience menopause, women should be aware of and be prepared for the tribulations during this hormonal shift in life.
Being aware of what the symptoms of menopause are will mentally get you ready for what your body may go through. Of course, it is important to remember that every woman will experience menopause in her own way.
These are 9 menopause signals that every woman should prepare herself for:
1) Irregular periods
Significant changes in a woman's menstrual cycle are possibly the first most visible symptoms of menopause. Some women's cycle may get affected in a way that they experience a period every 2 to 3 weeks. Other women will not get their periods for months at a time. Irregular periods can cause a lot of discomfort to women and a change in the cycle can take a toll physically and emotionally.
2) Fast-changing moods and mood swings
During menopause, women can experience depression as well as mood swings. Women can also have many sudden mood swings for no apparent reason; but this is all due to the hormonal changes that the body is eperiencing. As a result of the emotional changes, some women may also experience difficulty with sleep. However, over a period of time, the mood swings will start to get less frequent.
3) Sleeping problems
Sleep issues are very common as women progress through menopause. It can get difficult to sleep and stay asleep. Sleeping problems occur during the different stages of menopause. However, disturbed sleep and insomnia also go hand-in-hand with depression and hot flashes. It is also believed that night sweats can also lead to a lot of discomforts and disturbed sleep at night.
4) Hot flashes
A hot flash occurs when the upper body experiences a sudden sensation and feeling of heat. The flashes could start in the face, neck, or chest, and can progress either up or down the body. However, these flashes only last for a few minutes and soon pass. Women tend to get sweaty during these flashes and some even get red patches. The heart rate could increase, normalize, or even become irregular.
Hot flashes which take place during the sleep cycle are known as night sweats. However, even the night sweats do not last for more than a few minutes.
5) Emotional changes and depression
It is not uncommon for women to experience depression or low moods during menopause. The hormonal changes in the body tend to trigger many low emotions which can lead to depression. Some women can get very vulnerable when going through menopause especially when it comes to their physical and psychological health. If the low moods and depression get too bad, consulting a doctor is advisable.
6) Broken focus and problems with learning
Women going through menopause may experience broken focus and issues with cognitive functions. It can get difficult to maintain focus and keep concentration. Some women may also have trouble remembering things and menopause can also have an impact on a woman's short-term memory.
7) Vascular complications
When it comes to vascular health, women are extremely vulnerable during menopause. A negative impact on a person's vascular health will adversely affect their daily life and make it difficult to perform daily functions. During this period, it is important to look after the cardiovascular system. It is also possible for a woman's hands and legs to get slightly swollen and to reduce it, one should lessen the amount of water they drink in the evening.
8) Urinary tract problems
Menopause can also affect a woman's urinary cycle and pattern. Women tend to get a lot more susceptible to urinary tract infections known as cystitis while going through menopause. Some women will find that they will have to use the restroom a lot more frequently than before. However, if checked and detected early, UTI's can be treated within 2-3 days of starting treatment.
9) Low libido
As a result of all the hormonal and emotional changes that a woman is experiencing, there will be a visible decline in sexual function and the sex drive. It is believed that the decline starts around 20 months before or one year after their last menstrual cycle.