Menopause symptoms are the changes that the woman experiences in her body as she approaches menopause. They usually begin in the 40s.
Menopause means the time when a woman’s periods stop and she is no longer able to get pregnant naturally. The diagnosis of menopause is made 12 months after the last menstrual period.
The average menopause age is 51 to 52 years though it ranges from 45 to 55 years. This means menopause can start at any age from 45 years. However, early menopause occurs between the ages of 40 to 45 years.
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Menopause Symptoms
There are more than 34 menopause symptoms and they include the following:
*Hot flashes are the most common symptom of menopause and also the most distressing symptom. During a hot flash, a woman experiences sudden warmth followed by excessive sweating in the face, neck and chest which may also become flushed. Hot flashes are thought to occur due to declining estrogen levels which affect the hypothalamus that regulates body temperature.
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*Night sweats are another common menopause symptom. During a night sweat, a woman becomes hot and sweaty at night. They are thought to occur due to declining estrogen levels which affect the hypothalamus that regulates body temperature.
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*Irregular periods are caused by fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels.
*Breast pain or tenderness is caused by the changing hormone levels.
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*Vaginal dryness is caused by declining levels of estrogen and progesterone. It can lead to dyspareunia or painful sex.
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*Decreased libido which is caused by declining levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones. However, mood changes can also contribute to it.
*Recurrent UTIs or urinary tract infections
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*Bladder leaks develop due to a combination of factors – being overweight, aging, diabetes, declining estrogen levels which cause thinning of the urethra lining and aging which causes weakening of the surrounding pelvic muscles. Stress incontinence and an overactive overactive bladder can also cause urine leakage.
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*Mood swings that cause a woman to become sad, angry or weepy.
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*Anxiety can occur due to hormonal changes, other menopausal symptoms like insomnia, concerns about the aging process and stress.
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*Depression can occur due to hormonal changes, other menopausal symptoms like insomnia, concerns about the aging process and stress.
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*Panic attacks can occur due to the hormonal changes.
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*Sleep disturbances like difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakening and early morning awakening are common menopause symptoms.
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*Irritability is thought to develop due to numerous factors that include hormonal fluctuations, other menopausal symptoms like insomnia and stress.
*Headaches and migraines which are often called “low estrogen menopause headaches” or “menopause migraines” because they are linked to low estrogen levels.
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*Tiredness (short-term low energy), fatigue (long-term physical or mental exhaustion)
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*Dizziness can occur in menopause and its exact cause it not known. However it is thought to occur due to hormonal changes, inner ear problems like inflammation or infection, anxiety, palpitations or an irregular heart beat which can cause dizziness.
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*Tinnitus is hearing a sound that has no external source. This can be a ringing, buzzing, humming or other sound. It is thought to develop due to the changing hormone levels in the body.
*Burning mouth
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*Digestive system changes like change in taste, dry mouth, changes in digestion, different reactions to certain foods. These are due to gut flora changes that occur due to the hormonal changes.
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*Muscle aches develop due to decreased estrogen levels.
*Joint pains or menopausal arthritis develops due to decreased estrogen levels since estrogen reduces inflammation and keeps the joints lubricated.
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*Osteoporosis develops due to declining estrogen levels that result in loss of bone density. This makes the bones fragile and makes the woman prone to fractures.
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*Electric shock sensations occur in some women and though their cause is not clear, they are thought to be due to the hormonal changes.
*Palpitations or irregular heart beats or arrythmias can occur due to low levels of estrogen which results in overstimulation of the heart. These are instances when the heart beats irregularly.
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*Allergies can worsen or some women can develop new allergies due to spikes in histamine which is the chemical that causes allergic reactions.
*Difficulty concentrating is thought to be due to low estrogen levels.
*Memory lapses are thought to be due to low estrogen levels.
*Brain fog – ability to think, remember and concentrate is affected with resultant problems focusing, difficulty concentrating, losing your train of thought, forgetfulness, feeling confused, mental fatigue, slow thought process and slow reaction time)
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*Weight gain can occur due to reduced estrogen levels, age-related slowing metabolism, reducing muscle tone, poor quality sleep and declining physical activity.
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*Hair loss and hair thinning are caused by the hormonal fluctuations which cause the hair follicles to shrink which results in the hair growing more slowly and shedding more easily.
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*Nail problems due to the drop in estrogen levels. These include weak, brittle nails that break easily as the body may not produce enough keratin during the menopause period.
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*Acne
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*Dry skin since estrogen helps regulate the skin’s oil production and helps maintain its barrier function which prevents excessive water loss.
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*Itchy skin
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FAQ
What are the signs of menopause at 40?
Signs of menopause at 40 include irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and sleep disturbances like insomnia.
What are the signs of menopause at 45?
Signs of menopause at 45 include menstrual changes like missed periods, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances like insomnia, and mood swings.
What are the symptoms of menopause at 47?
Symptoms of menopause at 47 include menstrual changes like missed periods, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances like insomnia, mood swings, emotional symptoms like anxiety and depression, cognitive changes like brain fog, sexual symptoms like vaginal dryness as well as any of the menopause symptoms described above.
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Share with us in the comments section your menopause symptoms.