During menopause, your menstrual periods come to an end. It can be diagnosed after 12 months without menstruation. Menopause can occur in your 40s or 50s, although the timing varies by area and health.
Menopause is a natural biological process. Hot flashes, for example, are a common physical and psychological symptom of menopause that can affect sleep, energy levels, and emotional well-being. Numerous effective treatments are available, ranging from hormone medication to lifestyle modifications.
Any changes you go through immediately before or after your period ends, can be referred to by this phrase. Hot flashes and vaginal dryness are two symptoms brought on by fluctuating levels of the female hormones progesterone and estrogen, which are produced in the ovaries. The end of the female reproductive years is signaled by menopause, which is a normal component of aging.
Causes of Menopause
All of a woman's eggs, which are kept in her ovaries, are present when she is born. The hormones progesterone and estrogen, which regulate menstruation and egg release, are also produced in their ovaries (ovulation). Menstruation stops and the ovaries stop releasing an egg on a monthly basis, which is known as menopause.
When it occurs beyond the age of 40, menopause is a normal aspect of aging. However, some women may experience early menopause. When their ovaries are removed via a hysterectomy or when chemotherapy damages them, it might lead to this condition. Premature menopause is the term used when it occurs for any reason before the age of 40.
Symptoms of Menopause
The following are the most typical midlife changes that you might observe. Some may not directly connect to menopause but rather be a feature of aging.
Change in your Periods
This may be the first thing you notice. The regularity of your periods might have changed. They could be shorter or last longer. Blood loss could be greater or lesser than usual. All of these changes are normal, but to be sure there isn't an issue, consult a doctor if:
- Your periods happen very frequently.
- You are bleeding profusely.
- You experience spotting.
- Your periods last more than a week.
- After more than a year without any bleeding, your periods start up again.
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are common in women and can last for several years after menopause. They might be connected with fluctuating estrogen levels. A hot flash is a quick sensation of heat in your upper body or throughout. You can feel flushed on your cheeks and neck. You can get red spots on your arms, back, and chest. Cold shivers and profuse sweating may occur. The intensity of hot flashes can range from very light to wake you up (called night sweats). The average duration of a hot flash is between 30 and 10 minutes. They might take place once or twice per week, a few times per day, or several times an hour.
Bladder control
Incontinence refers to the loss of bladder control. Urine may leak after exercise, sneezing, or laughter, or you may experience an unexpected urge to urinate. Consultation with a physician is the initial step in addressing incontinence. Infections of the bladder can also happen in middle age.
Sleep
Some women start experiencing problems falling asleep around midlife. Perhaps you have trouble falling asleep or wake up too early. You can be awakened by night sweats. And if you wake up in the middle of the night, it could be difficult for you to go back to sleep.
Vaginal Dryness
Itching, dryness, and discomfort in the vagina can begin during perimenopause and last through menopause. Any of these signs or symptoms could cause irritation and discomfort during vaginal sex. Infection risk might also be increased if the skin cracks.