Menopause is a natural phase of life which every woman experiences. It is the period where one’s menstrual cycles cease and comes with a lot of physical, psychological and physiological changes. Because of the changes the body gives through, several symptoms are associated with menopause. The manifestations of the symptoms differ. Some women experience certain symptoms, while others experience some other symptoms. One is said to be going through menopause when their menstrual cycle has ceased for 12 consecutive months. Menopause occurs at different ages typically from 40 to 50 years. The average age when women experience menopause in the US is 51 years.
Despite the several symptoms of menopause, certain symptoms are more commonly experienced than others. Some of the most common symptoms of menopause are highlighted below. These symptoms occur in varying degrees amongst women.
The symptoms highlighted below are mostly caused by fluctuating hormones. During menopause and perimenopause, the level of certain hormones fluctuate. These fluctuations become evident in the way certain organs and tissues operate.
Hot flashes
A hot flash occurs when the temperature of one’s body increases unexpectedly from the inside out. Hot flashes are experienced by about 80% of women in the US. A hot flash can lead to a lot of discomforts. A hot flash is totally spontaneous and may occur at night. Hot flashes may come with increased heart rate and a tingling sensation in one’s fingers. The causes of hot flashes include fluctuating hormones.
Loss of libido/decreased libido
Loss of libido/decreased libido is one of the most concerning symptoms of menopause. When one experiences a loss of libido, their interest and sensitivity to sexual activities is reduced. A reduced ability to be aroused is also associated with a loss of libido/reduced libido.
The reduction in the level of estrogen available in the body has been linked to the loss of libido. Reduced libido or complete loss of libido is a common symptom of menopause although some women just come to terms with it as one of those things associated with aging.
Vaginal dryness
As a woman gets older, the walls of her vagina become thinner. As she gets into menopause, the thinness is increased and could result in painful sex. Painful sex is also associated with loss of libido. Since sex has become painful, most women just gradually lose interest in it.
Vaginal dryness which is associated with menopause is as a result of the reduced production of estrogen and progesterone. Hormone replacement therapy and several other treatment methods are used for managing vaginal dryness and the painful sex that comes with it.
Insomnia
Insomnia has been increasingly associated with menopause. A significant proportion of women going through menopause find it hard to sleep for the recommended number of hours for women.
Insomnia during menopause has the linked to the changing physiology of the body and can be managed with lifestyle changes.
No woman knows what exactly to expect with menopause. As the symptoms come, it is important to find ways to manage them and still live a productive life.
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