The Signs of Menopause You Need to Be Aware Of
January 15th, 2010 | by Kim Allarie |Almost three quarters of women who are about to begin the transition to menopause notice some form of symptoms. Menopause symptoms are a result of changing hormonal levels. This is in preparation for the shutdown of the female reproduction system. As hormone manufacture lowers, most women will start to have symptoms even if their periods have not stopped. Here is a look at the signs of menopause and what to expect during this phase of life.
Women usually start to experience the first signs of menopause anywhere between their late 30s and early 40s. This is the time when a woman’s body cuts down on the production of progesterone and estrogen. This stage of menopause is called perimenopause. Ovulation becomes sporadic because the ovaries stop releasing eggs. It is harder for a woman to become pregnant at this time because she becomes less fertile. As well, pregnancy during this time has more risk associated with it.
An irregular period is the most noticeable early warning sign that menopause is near. The flow will be either considerably lighter or heavier than it has been historically. Mood swings are also an indication of menopause. You might need to take antidepressant drugs to alleviate the problem.
Furthermore, women frequently are afflicted with hot flashes. This is like a wave of heat that passes through her body at unexpected times, often while sleeping. Her face will become red and she will break out in heavy perspiration. Excess abdominal fat and sleeping disorders are also signs of menopause. Depression and exhaustion are frequently the consequence of a sleeping disorder, so get the advice of a health care provider to control the problem.
The symptoms become more noticeable throughout a woman’s 40s. Some time soon after turning 50, the transition is over. Once a woman has made it through a full year without having a period, she has officially reached menopause. Fifty-one is the typical age when this takes place.
The symptoms of menopause are normally experienced during all the phases of menopause. Unfortunately, some women may suffer with them for the remainder of their lives. Menopause is a unique experience for each woman. There are those who are hardly aware of the process. Others will have symptoms that disrupt their lives. If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms of menopause, you should get advice from your doctor. He or she will be able to advise you on how to manage the various phases of menopause. There are lots of ways to alleviate the symptoms, including pain relievers, lifestyle changes and hormone therapy.
Menopause symptoms are caused by decreased production of estrogen and progesterone in a woman’s body. This change in hormone levels is what causes menopause symptoms and mood swings. Fortunately, there are various kinds of menopause relief that will help ease your symptoms.
