Menopause: What You Need to Know

9 Things That Are Increasing Your Risk Of Early Menopause, POSTMENOPAUSAL BLEEDING, vaginal dryness, menstrual cycles

Medical professionals have all come to realize one thing. That is, that there are approximately thirty-seven menopause indicators. These indicators could be anything from an easy-to-miss and mild indicator, right through to a very major disruption to your way of life. Most people who have a high chance of getting menopause, are likely to be around fifty, through to fifty-two years of age. However, many women will likely begin to experience such indicators many years before actually getting menopause.

We will now have a look at what the common indicators of menopause are. We will then discuss the remaining indicators. Don’t be alarmed or concerned when you read this information. All this is, is a clue that your body is working well. Just as any normal woman’s body should.

1. Cold or Hot Flashes

A lot of women have said they have experienced cold or hot flashes. They have also felt sweaty and clammy. The hot flash is understood to be one of the stereotypical indicators of menopause. Cold and hot flushes tell you that some sort of change has occurred internally. This is caused by the hypothalamus. Whilst menopause is occurring, the ovaries produce less estrogen. The hypothalamus will show that your estrogen levels have lowered. As a result, the temperature of your body changes. This gives you cold and hot flashes.

2. Periods Caused by an Irregular or Rapid Heart Rate

Many people do not realize that this can be a cause of menopause. It is also one of the more scariest indicators. It has been said that it feels like heart failure, panic attacks or palpitations. There has never been any real answer why this is the case in some women. Most of the time it occurs just before menopause comes. Always be sure to let your medical doctor know if you experience this indicator.

3. Mood Changes, Irritation, and Irritability

Many women will experience mood changes when menopause occurs. It often seems like it cannot be managed. These indicators happen because of natural hormone fluctuations. Most of the time, mood changes, irritation and irritability can be managed with exercise, yoga or meditation.

4. Becoming Teary or Easily Upset

These occur because the hormones change in a dramatic way. Women can become teary and easily upset very easily. Sometimes they won’t even have any reason for this. The good news is, there are ways to manage these indicators so they won’t occur so often. This can be done with relaxation techniques and breathing exercises.

5. Disrupted Sleeping Patterns

Many women with menopause will get calcium deficiencies. This can often make it hard for them to sleep. They also may not sleep very well during the night. To fix this, women can take the right calcium supplement. Gentle relaxation exercise will also help.

6. Irregular Menstrual Cycles

This might include heavy or light bleeding or sometimes no bleeding at all. If there are disturbances during menstrual cycles, periods can begin a long time before they get menopause. Some women experience short or long periods, other bleeding patterns, or missed periods. These can all occur before menopause.

7. Less or No Libido

Hormone levels will drop during menopause, as do estrogen levels. This means a lack of interest in sex or less libido may occur. The relationship between libido and regular menopause hormone changes can be a difficult one.

8. Vaginal Dryness

When estrogen levels drop, this means that the vagina will become dry. As a result, sexual intercourse may become painful.

9. Gastrointestinal Difficulties (Bloating, Nausea, Gas, Indigestion)

Balance hormones will assist the gastrointestinal tract in working as it should. Women don’t understand how vital hormones are until something goes wrong. For example, estrogen keeps the gastrointestinal tract stimulated. Estrogen levels will drop because they may be experiencing: diarrhea, constipation or gas. Menopause may also put pressure on the liver. This means the body won’t have as much energy to do the normal cleaning duties.

Featured Image Source: Thinkstock / Thomas Lammeyer