7 Common Symptoms Of Menopause

Going through menopause is a landmark event in every woman's life, signaling the end of her cycle and fertility. While some women go through menopause without any complications or unpleasant symptoms, there are many whose harsh menopausal symptoms overshadow this milestone. Moreover, these symptoms may last for years for some. It is important to note that you may start to notice these changes months or years before you are in menopause, which means that you are most likely going through perimenopause. Think you've have embarked on this journey? Here are the seven most common symptoms of menopause:

1. Changes in menstrual cycle

Your period may be irregular, and you may be experiencing extremely heavy bleeding, or lighter periods, or even spotting. The duration of your period may also vary. If you haven't experienced your period for twelve months or more, it is extremely likely that you have, or are experiencing, menopause.

2. Hot flashes

This symptom is one that makes most women shudder. This is a primary symptom, where you may feel a sudden feeling of heat either in the upper portion of your body or all over. Your face and neck might turn red, and you may feel sweaty or flushed. The intensity of a hot flashes can range from mild to severe, and it usually lasts between 30 seconds to 10 minutes.

What is menopause heatwave?

Hot flashes during menopause are very common. Many women describe their hot flashes as a personal heatwave - when they experience extreme heat. During menopause, hypothalamus gland in the brain needs to readjust itself. It is the gland which regulates body temperature. Menopausal women experience hot flashes during the day, and even at night. During summer, the hot flashes are even worse. Many women sip of on cold beverages and avoid spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol in order to keep their body temperature under control. 

3. Vaginal dryness

The decreased production of estrogen and progesterone can affect the thin layer of moisture that coats the vaginal walls. You may feel itching around the vulva or a stinging or burning sensation.

4. Pain during intercourse

Vaginal dryness can make intercourse painful and may cause you to feel like you need to urinate frequently. Moreover, you may experience a decreased libido as well. But, having sex or any other sexual activity involving the female genitals can increase blood flow to that area, which helps keep the vagina more lubricated, thus combating dryness as well.

5. Insomnia or sleeping problems

You may be experiencing problems like difficulty going to sleep, or staying asleep. You may also have broken sleep, and consequently have trouble going back to sleep as well.

6. Frequent urination

You may feel like you're losing control of your bladder, and may feel the constant need to urinate even if your bladder isn't full. Painful urination is another symptom as well. During menopause, you also tend to be more susceptible to UTI's (urinary tract infections), so it is important to see your doctor if these symptoms worsen or persist.

7. Depression and/or mood swings

The major change in hormone production may be wrecking havoc on your brain, and you would most likely be experiencing feelings of irritability, depression, and mood swings, and often go from extreme highs to severe lows in a short period of time.

Also read: 5 Pre-menopause Symptoms Every Woman Should Know