How long does menopause typically last. What are the three stages of menopause. Which symptoms are most common during perimenopause. How can women manage menopausal hot flashes effectively. When should you consult a doctor about menopausal symptoms.

Understanding the Stages of Menopause

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It occurs in three distinct stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Each stage brings its own set of changes and challenges, affecting women differently.

Perimenopause: The Transition Phase

Perimenopause is the initial stage of the menopausal journey. It typically begins in a woman’s 40s, but some may experience it as early as their 30s. During this phase, the body gradually produces less estrogen, leading to various symptoms and changes.

• Duration: Can last up to 10 years before entering menopause
• Common symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness
• Menstrual changes: Periods become irregular

Menopause: The Milestone

Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. This marks the end of her reproductive years and the beginning of a new phase in life.

• Average age: Early 50s
• Diagnosis: Confirmed after 12 months without menstruation
• Hormonal changes: Significant decrease in estrogen production

Postmenopause: Life After Menopause

The postmenopausal stage begins immediately after menopause is confirmed. During this phase, menopausal symptoms may continue but often decrease in frequency and intensity over time.

• Duration: Lasts for the rest of a woman’s life
• Health considerations: Increased risk of certain conditions due to lower estrogen levels
• Symptom management: Focusing on overall health and well-being

The Duration of Menopausal Symptoms

One of the most common questions women have about menopause is how long the symptoms will last. The duration can vary significantly from person to person, but research provides some general guidelines.

Perimenopause Duration

Perimenopausal symptoms can persist for an average of four years. However, this timeframe can vary widely, with some women experiencing symptoms for just a few months and others for up to a decade.

Postmenopausal Symptom Duration

After entering menopause, symptoms may continue for an average of four to five years. It’s important to note that some women report experiencing symptoms for a longer period.

Hot Flashes: A Persistent Symptom

Hot flashes, one of the most notorious menopausal symptoms, can be particularly persistent. Recent research has shown that moderate to severe hot flashes can last for a median of 10.2 years, which is longer than previously thought.

Common Symptoms of Menopause

Menopausal symptoms can vary in frequency, intensity, and duration. Understanding these symptoms can help women better navigate this transitional period.

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Hot flashes are characterized by a sudden feeling of warmth, often most intense in the face, neck, and chest. When they occur at night, they’re known as night sweats and can significantly disrupt sleep.

Vaginal Changes and Urinary Symptoms

Many women experience vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse, and urinary urgency due to the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).

Emotional and Cognitive Changes

Mood swings, irritability, and mild depression are common emotional symptoms. Some women also report difficulty concentrating or memory issues.

Sleep Disturbances

Insomnia and other sleep problems are frequently reported, often exacerbated by night sweats.

Factors Influencing Menopausal Experience

The menopausal journey is unique for each woman, influenced by various factors that can affect the onset, duration, and severity of symptoms.

Ethnicity and Body Weight

Research suggests that ethnicity and body weight can influence the duration of menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes. Black women and those of average weight tend to experience hot flashes for a longer period compared to white women and those considered overweight.

Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle choices can impact menopausal symptoms. Smoking, lack of exercise, and high stress levels may exacerbate symptoms, while a healthy diet and regular physical activity can help alleviate them.

Medical History and Genetics

A woman’s medical history, including any reproductive health issues or family history of early menopause, can influence her menopausal experience.

Early and Premature Menopause

While the average age for menopause is in the early 50s, some women experience it earlier. Understanding early and premature menopause is crucial for proper management and health care.

Defining Early and Premature Menopause

Early menopause occurs when a woman goes through menopause before the age of 45. Premature menopause is diagnosed if menopause occurs at or before age 40.

Causes of Early Menopause

Early or premature menopause can be caused by various factors, including:

• Surgical interventions (e.g., hysterectomy)
• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Autoimmune disorders
• Genetic factors

Health Implications

Women experiencing early or premature menopause may face increased health risks due to prolonged estrogen deficiency. These risks include osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive issues.

Managing Menopausal Symptoms

While menopause is a natural process, its symptoms can significantly impact quality of life. Fortunately, there are various strategies and treatments available to manage these symptoms effectively.

Lifestyle Modifications

Simple lifestyle changes can often provide significant relief from menopausal symptoms:

• Regular exercise
• Stress reduction techniques (e.g., meditation, yoga)
• Maintaining a healthy diet
• Avoiding triggers (e.g., spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol)

Hormone Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be an effective treatment for severe menopausal symptoms. However, it’s not suitable for everyone and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Non-Hormonal Treatments

For women who can’t or prefer not to use hormone therapy, there are various non-hormonal options available, including:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for hot flashes
• Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants for vaginal dryness
• Cognitive behavioral therapy for mood-related symptoms

When to Seek Medical Advice

While menopause is a natural process, certain situations warrant medical attention. Understanding when to consult a healthcare provider is crucial for managing menopause effectively and maintaining overall health.

Severe or Disruptive Symptoms

If menopausal symptoms are severely impacting your quality of life, it’s important to seek medical advice. A healthcare provider can offer treatment options and strategies to manage these symptoms effectively.

Unusual Bleeding Patterns

While irregular periods are common during perimenopause, certain bleeding patterns require medical evaluation. These include:

• Very heavy bleeding
• Bleeding that lasts longer than usual
• Spotting between periods
• Any bleeding after menopause has been confirmed

Early Onset of Menopausal Symptoms

If you’re experiencing menopausal symptoms before the age of 45, it’s advisable to consult a doctor. Early menopause can have implications for long-term health and may require specific management strategies.

Concerns About Hormone Therapy

If you’re considering hormone therapy or have concerns about its risks and benefits, a healthcare provider can offer personalized advice based on your medical history and individual risk factors.

Menopause is a significant transition in a woman’s life, marked by various physical and emotional changes. While the experience can vary widely from person to person, understanding the stages, symptoms, and available management strategies can help women navigate this phase more comfortably. Remember, menopause is a natural process, and with proper care and support, it can be managed effectively, allowing women to maintain their quality of life and overall well-being throughout this transitional period and beyond.

How Long Does Menopause Last?

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Perimenopause symptoms may start up to 10 years before entering menopause. Upon entering the postmenopausal stage, symptoms may continue for four to five years, but typically decrease in frequency and intensity.

Menopause is a normal and natural part of aging.

As you enter your 40s, your body will likely produce less and less estrogen until you no longer menstruate. Once you stop menstruating and have had no periods for 12 months, you will have reached menopause.

Natural menopause, which happens without medical intervention, occurs in three stages:

• perimenopause
• menopause
• postmenopause

Many people confuse menopause with perimenopause. Perimenopause is the stage when a woman begins to transition into menopause. Some common symptoms of the perimenopausal phase include:

• hot flashes
• night sweats
• vaginal dryness

During perimenopause, your body begins to make less estrogen. This continues until the last one or two years of perimenopause until your hormone levels drop rapidly. Perimenopause can start up to 10 years before you enter menopause. It often begins in your 40s, but some women enter perimenopause in their 30s.

Doctors will determine that you’ve reached menopause when you haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months. After that, you will enter the postmenopausal stage.

If you’ve had your ovaries surgically removed, you’ll experience “sudden” menopause.

Perimenopausal symptoms can last four years on average. The symptoms associated with this phase will gradually ease during menopause and postmenopause. Women who’ve gone an entire year without a period are considered postmenopausal.

Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are a common symptom of perimenopause. One study found that moderate to severe hot flashes could continue past perimenopause and last for a median of 10.2 years. That’s longer than the generally accepted timeframe for the duration of hot flashes.

Researchers also found that Black women and women of average weight experience hot flashes for a longer period than white women and women who are considered overweight.

It’s possible for a woman to experience menopause before the age of 55. Early menopause occurs in women who go through menopause before they’re 45 years old. It’s considered premature menopause if you’re menopausal and are 40 years old or younger.

Early or premature menopause can happen for many reasons. Some women can go through early or premature menopause because of surgical intervention, like a hysterectomy. It can also happen if the ovaries are damaged by chemotherapy or other conditions and treatments.

You’ll experience a host of symptoms while going through perimenopause (for example, your periods become irregular). The frequency, intensity, and duration of symptoms vary widely from person to person during perimenopause and as you approach menopause.

Once in menopause (you haven’t had a period for 12 months) and on into postmenopause, the symptoms may continue for an average of four to five years, but they decrease in frequency and intensity. Some women report their symptoms last longer.

The most common symptoms include:

• Hot flashes. These cause you to feel a sudden rush of warmth in your face and upper body. They can last a few seconds to several minutes or longer. Hot flashes can occur several times a day or a few times a month.
• Night sweats. Hot flashes during sleep can result in night sweats. Night sweats can wake you up and make you feel extra tired during the day.
• Cold flashes. You may experience chills, cold feet, and shivering after your body cools down from a hot flash.
• Vaginal changes. Vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, low libido, and an urgent need to urinate are symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
• Emotional changes. These may include mild depression, mood swings, and irritability.
• Trouble sleeping. Sleep problems such as insomnia can occur because of night sweats.

Other symptoms of perimenopause can include:

• breast tenderness
• heavier or lighter periods
• worsening premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• dry skin, eyes, or mouth

Some women may also experience:

• headaches
• racing heart
• muscle and joint pain
• focus and memory issues
• hair loss or thinning
• weight gain

If you experience any of these additional symptoms, visit your doctor to rule out other causes.

You can experience any of these symptoms throughout perimenopause. But hot flashes typically occur at the onset of perimenopause.

Going through perimenopause and menopause can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful for many women. But it’s a normal and manageable part of aging. Here are some tips to help you manage your symptoms.

Hot flashes

Try these options to help you prevent and manage hot flashes:

• Identify and avoid hot flash triggers like spicy foods or alcohol.
• Use a fan at work or at home.
• Take low-dose oral contraceptives if you still have your period.
• Take slow, deep breaths when a hot flash starts.
• Remove some layers of clothing when you feel a hot flash coming on.

Vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness can be managed by using a water-based, over-the-counter (OTC) lubricant during sex or by using an OTC vaginal moisturizer used every few days. Your doctor can also prescribe medication to help with more severe vaginal discomfort.

If you’re reluctant to engage in intercourse with your partner, see your doctor.

Sleep problems and mood swings

Try these options to avoid sleep problems:

• Avoid large meals, smoking, coffee, or caffeine after noon.
• Avoid napping during the day.
• Avoid exercise or alcohol close to bedtime.
• Drink warm milk or warm caffeine-free tea before bed.
• Sleep in a dark, quiet, and cool room.
• Treat hot flashes to improve sleep.

Easing stress, eating right, and staying physically active can help with mood swings and sleeping problems. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to help with mood swings.

You should talk to your doctor about managing your symptoms and to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms, like depression or asthma. It’s also helpful to join a support group for women in menopause so you have a safe place to share your concerns and issues.

Your doctor may also prescribe menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) to help treat your symptoms. MHT (once known as hormone replacement therapy, or HRT) can ease:

• hot flashes
• night sweats
• sleep problems
• irritability
• vaginal dryness

MHT may also help slow bone loss and reduce mood swings and mild depressive symptoms. Side effects of MHT include:

• vaginal bleeding
• bloating
• breast swelling or tenderness
• headaches
• mood changes
• nausea

Studies show that women who take MHT are at an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. The risks are similar for women using contraceptive pills, patches, and rings. However, women taking MHT are older, and the risks increase with age.

Many women can’t take MHT because of a previous illness such as cancer or because they take other medications.

Additional research found that the risk of getting breast cancer can increase with five or more years of continuous MHT use (of estrogen with progestogen, not estrogen alone).

Women who have had their uterus removed will use estrogen-only therapy.

Talk to your doctor to learn more about hormonal therapy before making a decision to use it.

It’s common and normal to experience irregular periods when you’re perimenopausal.

However, other conditions, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or cervical cancer, can also cause irregular bleeding. See your doctor to rule out other causes if you:

• suddenly experience very heavy periods or periods with blood clots
• have periods lasting longer than usual
• spot or bleed after sex
• spot or bleed after your period
• have periods close together

Osteoporosis and heart disease are long-term health risks associated with menopause. That’s because estrogen plays a significant role in protecting your bones and your heart. Without estrogen, you’re at an increased risk for both diseases.

You’re also at an increased risk of urinary tract infections because menopause can cause your urethra to become dry, irritated, or inflamed. Vaginal infections can also occur more frequently because your vagina has become dryer and thinner.

Report menopausal symptoms when visiting the doctor. Get assessed by your physician if you continue to have menopausal symptoms that are unbearable or last more than five years after your last menstrual period.

Although menopause can cause uncomfortable symptoms for some women, this natural process has possible upsides, too. There are several potential benefits of menopause to consider:

• A positive perspective. The Massachusetts Women’s Health Study, one of the largest longitudinal studies to focus on middle-aged women, found that most women had overwhelmingly positive or neutral attitudes toward menopause. Most women don’t seek outside help for menopause.
• No change in health or health behaviors. The same study found that women’s health and health behaviors are unlikely to change with menopause. That means if you already lead a healthy lifestyle, you’ll likely stick with it.
• The wisdom of experience. Menopause goes hand-in-hand with aging, which carries with it the value of life experience. Psychologist Sylvia Gearing, PhD, told the American Psychology Association’s Monitor on Psychology that, in her experience, women in menopause have increased “clarity, decisiveness, emotional intelligence,” and other positives.
• No menstruation. Some women like that menstruation comes to an end with menopause, especially if they experienced heavy periods, cramping, or PMS. Once your monthly cycle stops, there’s no need to purchase tampons, pads, or other menstrual products.
• No need for birth control after no periods for one year.

It’s still possible to become pregnant during perimenopause, so don’t abandon birth control right away. After a year without your period, it’s generally accepted that pregnancy isn’t possible without medical intervention, which may be a relief for some women.

You will still need to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases.

Life after menopause isn’t much different than life during your reproductive years. Remember to eat right, exercise, and receive routine healthcare, including dental and eye exams.

When and how long symptoms of menopause last vary for each individual. It’s common for these symptoms during the entire time of perimenopause and into postmenopause to last about seven years.

A nutritious diet and regular exercise will help you maintain strong bones, while regular doctor visits will help you catch problems early.

Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Complications

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on March 31, 2023

• What Is Menopause?
• Menopause Causes
• Menopause Symptoms
• What Happens During Menopause?
• What Conditions Cause Premature Menopause?
• What Doesn’t Cause Premature Menopause?
• How Long Do Symptoms of Menopause Last?
• Menopause Diagnosis
• Menopause Treatment
• Alternative and Complementary Menopause Treatments
• Menopause Complications
• More

Menopause is the end of your menstrual cycles. The term is sometimes used to describe the changes you go through just before or after you stop having your period, marking the end of your reproductive years. Menopause usually happens around age 50. 

Women are born with all of their eggs, which are stored in their ovaries. Their ovaries also make the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which control their period (menstruation) and the release of eggs (ovulation). Menopause happens when the ovaries no longer release an egg every month and menstruation stops.

Menopause is a regular part of aging when it happens after the age of 40. But some women can go through menopause early. It can be the result of surgery, like if their ovaries are removed in a hysterectomy, or damage to their ovaries, such as from chemotherapy. If it happens before age 40, for any reason, it’s called premature menopause.

First signs of menopause

Most women nearing menopause will begin experiencing vasomotor symptoms (VMS). The most common is hot flashes. During a hot flash there is a sudden feeling of warmth that spreads over the upper body, often with blushing, a racing heart, and sweating. These flashes can range from mild in most women to severe in others.

You may also notice other symptoms of menopause such as:

• Uneven or missed periods
• Vaginal dryness
• Sore breasts
• Needing to pee more often
• Trouble sleeping
• Emotional changes
• Dry skin, eyes, or mouth

Symptoms of menopause

Other symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Crankiness
• Headaches
• Joint and muscle aches and pains
• Weight gain
• Hair loss
• Changes in libido (sex drive)

Natural menopause isn’t caused by any type of medical or surgical treatment. It’s slow and has three stages:

• Perimenopause. This phase usually begins several years before menopause, when your ovaries slowly make less estrogen.  Perimenopause lasts until menopause, the point at which your ovaries stop releasing eggs. In the last 1 to 2 years of this stage, estrogen levels fall faster. Many women have menopause symptoms.
• Menopause. This is when it’s been a year since you had a period. Your ovaries have stopped releasing eggs and making most of their estrogen.
• Postmenopause. These are the years after menopause. Menopausal VMS such as hot flashes and night sweats usually ease. But health risks related to the loss of estrogen increase as you get older.

Your genes, some immune system disorders, or medical procedures can cause premature menopause. Other causes include:

• Premature ovarian failure (or primary ovarian insufficiency). When your ovaries prematurely stop releasing eggs, for unknown reasons, your levels of estrogen and progesterone change. When this happens before you’re 40, it’s called premature ovarian failure. Unlike premature menopause, premature ovarian failure isn’t always permanent.
• Induced menopause. This happens when your doctor takes out your ovaries for medical reasons, such as uterine cancer or endometriosis. It can also happen when radiation or chemotherapy damages your ovaries.

Some things you might think would influence menopause age, but don’t:

Hormonal birth control. Even if you’re using a birth control method that stops ovulation, it doesn’t stop your loss of follicles — the constant process of your ovary taking them from your resting pool of eggs. All of your follicles available that month die away, even if you’re not ovulating, so experts don’t think that birth control delays menopause.

Ethnicity. A study of premenopausal and early perimenopausal women found that race and ethnicity play no role in the age when you experience menopause. The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) looked at women from different races from seven states and found they experienced menopause around the same age.

Menopause is different in each woman. In general, the symptoms of perimenopause last about 4 years.

You might suspect that you’re going into menopause. Or your doctor will say something, based on symptoms you’ve told them about.

You can keep track of your periods and chart them as they become uneven. The pattern will be another clue to your doctor that you’re perimenopausal or nearing menopause.

Your doctor might also test your blood for levels of:

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This usually goes up as you near menopause.
• Estradiol. This tells your doctor how much estrogen your ovaries are making. This level will go down in menopause.
• Thyroid hormones. This shows problems with your thyroid gland, which can affect your period and cause symptoms that look like menopause.

Menopause is a natural process. Many symptoms will go away over time. But if they’re causing problems, treatments can help you feel better. Common ones include:

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This is also called menopausal hormone therapy. You take medications to replace the hormones that your body isn’t making anymore. Certain drugs or combinations can help with hot flashes and vaginal symptoms, as well as making your bones stronger. But they can also put you at higher risk of health problems like heart disease or breast cancer, so you should take the lowest dose that works for the shortest time possible.
• Topical hormone therapy. This is an estrogen cream, insert, or gel that you put in your vagina to help with dryness.
• Nonhormone medications. The depression drug paroxetine (Brisdelle, Paxil) is FDA-approved to treat hot flashes. The nerve drug gabapentin (Gralise, Neuraptine, Neurontin) and the blood pressure drug clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) might also ease them. Medicines called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) help your body use its estrogen to treat hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
• Medications for osteoporosis. You might take medicines or vitamin D supplements to help keep your bones strong.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes help many women deal with menopause symptoms. Try these steps:

• If you’re having a vasomotor symptom like hot flashes, drink cold water, sit or sleep near a fan, and dress in layers.
• Use an over-the-counter vaginal moisturizer or lubricant for dryness.
• Exercise regularly to sleep better and prevent conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
• Strengthen your pelvic floor muscles with Kegel exercises to prevent bladder leaks.
• Stay socially and mentally active to prevent memory problems.
• Don’t smoke. Tobacco might cause early menopause and increase hot flashes.
• Limit how much alcohol you drink, to lower your chance of getting breast cancer and help you sleep better.
• Eat a variety of foods and keep a healthy weight to help with hot flashes.
• Practice things like yoga, deep breathing, or massage to help you relax.

Menopause diet. What you eat might affect when you enter menopause, research suggests.

After tracking more than 35,000 British women for 4 years, researchers found that menopause tends to start earlier for those whose diets are heavy in refined carbs. In contrast, it seems to begin later for those who eat a lot of fish and legumes.

“In particular, a higher consumption of oily fish was found to delay the timing of natural menopause by approximately 3 years, and fresh legumes — such as peas and green beans — was linked to a later menopause by around a year,” said study author Yashvee Dunneram.

“On the other hand, a higher consumption of refined carbohydrates — such as pasta and rice — hastened the onset of menopause by 1.5 years,” said Dunneram.

“Refined carbs are one of the main culprits for insulin resistance. A high level of circulating insulin could interfere with sex hormone activity and boost estrogen levels, both of which might increase the number of menstrual cycles and deplete egg supply faster, thus causing an earlier menopause. “

As for those with a vegetarian diet, researchers found they experience menopause about a year earlier than meat eaters. The high-fiber and low-animal-fat content in some vegetarian meals has been linked to low estrogen levels.

But meat eaters who ate higher daily amounts of savory foods — such as potato chips, pretzels, and peanuts — experienced menopause about 2 years earlier than meat eaters who didn’t.

More research is needed to further understand the diet-menopause connection.

Some studies have found that soy products relieve hot flashes, but researchers are still looking into it. There aren’t many large studies on whether other supplements such as black cohosh or “bioidentical” hormones work for menopause symptoms. Talk to your doctor before starting any herbal or dietary supplements.

Yoga, tai chi, and acupuncture are safer ways to manage menopause symptoms.

The loss of estrogen linked with menopause is tied to the following health problems that become more common as women age.

After menopause, women are more likely to have:

• Bone loss (osteoporosis)
• Heart disease
• Bladder and bowels that don’t work like they should
• Higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease
• More wrinkles
• Poor muscle power and tone
• Weaker vision, such as from cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye) and macular degeneration (breakdown of the tiny spot in the center of the retina that is the center of vision)

It can be tough to manage the sexual changes that come along with menopause, like vaginal dryness and a loss of sex drive. You might also find that you don’t enjoy sex as much and have trouble reaching orgasm. As long as it isn’t painful, regular sexual activity may help keep your vagina healthy by promoting blood flow.

Your ovaries have stopped sending out eggs once you’re in menopause, so you can’t get pregnant. But you can still get a sexually transmitted disease. Use safer sex practices if you’re not in a relationship with one person.

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Menopause – symptoms and treatment in St. Petersburg

When a woman stops menstruating forever, she reaches a stage of life called menopause. Often referred to as the “change of life,” the stage signals the end of a woman’s ability to have children. Many doctors actually use the term menopause to refer to the period of time when a woman’s hormone levels begin to change. Menopause is said to be complete when menstrual periods have stopped for one continuous year.

The transitional phase before menopause is medically called menopause, but more recently perimenopause. During this transitional period until menopause, the supply of mature eggs in a woman’s ovaries decreases and ovulation becomes irregular. At the same time, the production of estrogen and progesterone decreases. This huge drop in estrogen levels causes most of the symptoms commonly associated with the condition.

When menopause occurs

While the average age of menopause is 51 years, it can occur anytime from 30 to mid-50s or beyond.

Women who smoke and are underweight tend to have an earlier menopause, while those who are overweight are often later than average.

Menopause most often occurs at the same age as the mother.

Generally, a woman tends to go through menopause around the same age as her mother.

Premature menopause may be due to smoking, radiation exposure, chemotherapy drugs, or surgery that impairs blood flow to the ovaries.

Surgical menopause may follow oophorectomy (removal of an ovary or both ovaries) or radiation of the pelvis, including the ovaries, in premenopausal women. This leads to a sudden stop of the menstrual cycle and is more difficult for women than with the natural onset of the period.

Symptoms

• Gets hot. It is the most common symptom, with about 75% of all women experiencing a sudden, short-term, intermittent increase in body temperature. For 80% of women, hot flashes occur within two years or less. A small percentage of women experience hot flashes for more than two years. These flares appear to be directly related to declining estrogen levels and vary in frequency and intensity for each woman. In addition to an increase in skin temperature lead to an increase in a woman’s heart rate. This causes sudden sweating as the body tries to bring down the temperature. This symptom may also be accompanied by palpitations and dizziness. At night, a woman may wake up drenched in sweat and must change night clothes and sheets.
• Vaginal atrophy includes drying and thinning of the tissues of the vagina and urethra. This can lead to dyspareunia (pain during intercourse) as well as vaginitis, cystitis, and urinary tract infections.
• Relaxation of the pelvic muscles can lead to urinary incontinence and also increase the risk of developing the uterus, bladder, urethra, or rectum into the vagina.
• Cardiac effects. Intermittent dizziness, paresthesias (an abnormal sensation such as numbness, tingling, tingling, and/or hypersensitivity), palpitations, and tachycardia may occur as symptoms of menopause.
• Hair growth. Changing hormones can cause some women to experience facial hair growth and/or thinning hair on the scalp.
• Mental health. While it is commonly believed that menopause can have a negative impact on mental health, several studies have indicated that menopausal women do not experience more anxiety, depression, anger, nervousness, or stress than women of the same age who are still menstruating. The psychological and emotional symptoms of fatigue, irritability, insomnia, and nervousness can be related to both the lack of estrogen, the stress of aging, and the changing roles of women.

How-To for Managing Symptoms

• Wear comfortable clothing that will allow you to quickly remove the excess when a hot flash occurs.

• Avoid foods and drinks that can cause flushing, such as alcohol, coffee, tea, and other hot drinks.

• Drink a glass of cold water or fruit juice when you start to have a fever.

• Reduce stress levels that can make hot flashes worse.

• Keep a thermos of ice water or an ice pack next to your bed at night.

• Wear cotton underwear and clothing that allows your skin to breathe.

Menopause treatment

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves the administration of a combination of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause and menopause. HRT is most often prescribed in the form of tablets. However, estrogen can also be administered using transdermal skin patches and vaginal creams. The decision to start adding or replacing these hormones should only be made after you and your doctor have assessed the risk based on your individual medical history.
• Estrogen replacement therapy involves the administration of only estrogen that is no longer produced by the body. Often given to women who have had a hysterectomy. Estrogen is prescribed in the following forms: pills, percutaneous patches (where estrogen is absorbed through the skin), and vaginal creams. The decision to start adding or replacing this hormone should only be made after you and your doctor have assessed the risk/benefit ratio based on your individual medical history.
• Non-hormonal treatment This type of treatment often involves the use of over-the-counter creams that do not contain estrogen to relieve some of the symptoms associated with menopause.
• Estrogen alternatives are so-called “synthetic estrogens” such as raloxifene
• Alternative treatments. Homeopathy and herbal treatments can provide some relief from some of the symptoms of menopause.

As women approach menopause, each woman should discuss each option – the potential risks and benefits – with her gynecologist.

how to know when it’s coming

Content

• 1 19 signs of menopause in women: how to recognize them and what to do
  • 1.1 Irregular menstruation
  • 1.2 Heat and sweating 9 0028
  • 1.3 Insomnia
  • 1.4 Decreased sexual desire in period of menopause
  • 1.5 Symptoms of approaching menopause. Vaginal dryness
  • 1.6 Unexpected mood changes at the threshold of menopause
  • 1.7 19 symptoms of approaching menopause
    • 1.7.1 Irritability: a symptom of approaching menopause
  • 1.8 Cardiac arrhythmia during menopause
    • 1.8.1 What is it?
    • 1.8.2 Symptoms of arrhythmia of the heart
    • 1.8.3 Cause of arrhythmia of the heart during menopause
    • 1. 8.4 How to deal with arrhythmia of the heart?
  • 1.9 Headaches during menopause
  • 1.10 Fatigue and weakness during approaching menopause
  • 1.11 Problems with memory and concentration – one of the signs of approaching menopause
  • 1.12 Related videos:
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 How can you tell if it’s menopause?
      • 1.13.0.2 What psychological changes occur during menopause?
      • 1.13.0.3 Can menopausal symptoms be avoided with medication?
      • 1.13.0.4 What foods can help manage menopausal symptoms?
      • 1.13.0.5 How to suppress a fever?
      • 1.13.0.6 How long is menopause?

Learn about 19 symptoms of menopause in women, from hot flashes and sweating to sleep disturbances and mood changes. Find out how to manage these symptoms and improve your health during the transition.

It would seem that only yesterday you were young, full of energy and health. But over time, there comes a certain period in a woman’s life, which is called menopause. This is a natural process when the level of hormones in the body begins to fall, marking the onset of a retrospective period.

The average age of onset of menopause is about 50 years, but in some cases it may begin earlier. Symptoms of approaching menopause can lead to feelings of discomfort and discomfort, so it is important to understand what is happening in the body in order to prepare for this period.

In this article, we’ll look at 19 signs of approaching menopause that will help you assess your condition and take appropriate action.

Irregular menstruation

One of the main signs of approaching menopause is changes in the menstrual cycle. Irregular periods may mean that you are on the verge of menopause.

Irregular menstruation may manifest as a change in the schedule, or a change in the intensity or duration of menstrual bleeding. In some cases, the periods between periods may increase by several weeks or months.

If you have been diagnosed with irregular periods and no other medical conditions, it’s worth starting to prepare for menopause. Take care of your health, eat right and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Heat and sweating

Fever and sweating are among the most common symptoms experienced by premenopausal and menopausal women. Women may experience hot flashes that are accompanied by sweating and a fast heartbeat.

Hot flashes can last from a few seconds to several minutes. They can occur several times a day, which creates significant discomfort and disrupts the normal mode of life.

To help relieve heat and sweat, it is recommended to wear light and loose clothing, prefer soft and breathable fabrics, avoid spicy and fatty foods, alcohol and coffee. In addition, lemon balm drinks, mint teas, and herbal preparations such as red brush and soy isoflavones are helpful.

• Hot flashes are among the most common symptoms of premenopause and menopause.
• women experience hot flashes accompanied by sweating and rapid heartbeat.
• Hot flashes of can last from a few seconds to several minutes, occur several times a day.
• Wear light and loose clothing , choose soft and breathable fabrics, avoid spicy and greasy foods, alcohol and coffee.
• Good to drink lemon balm drinks, mint teas and herbal preparations such as red brush and soy isoflavones.

Insomnia

Insomnia is a common symptom of approaching menopause. Women may experience difficulty falling asleep, interrupted sleep, and frequent awakenings at night. Against this background, the duration and quality of sleep decreases, which negatively affects the health of a woman.

To cope with insomnia during menopause, a woman should follow the recommendations of doctors:

• Physical activity – helps reduce stress levels and improves sleep quality. To do this, it is enough to carry out simple exercises every day, for example, doing yoga or walking in the fresh air.
• Wholesome Nutrition – Eating right is important during menopause. Avoid fatty and heavy foods, as well as chicken, pork, and beef before bed.
• Creating a cozy and calm atmosphere – before going to bed, it is recommended to drink herbal tea, sit comfortably and turn on pleasant music. This will help you relax and fall asleep faster.

If insomnia disturbs your life and does not go away even after changing your lifestyle, then you should consult a doctor. The doctor may advise taking special medications or prescribe general therapy.

Advantages Disadvantages

Decreased sexual desire during menopause

Decreased libido is a common symptom associated with approaching menopause. The reason for this may be a change in the level of hormones, especially estrogens, which play an important role in maintaining the health of the reproductive system. Decreased estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness, sensitivity, pain during intercourse, and disinterest in sexual activity.

There are non-pharmacological methods for increasing libido during menopause. Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle can reduce the negative impact of menopause on sexual performance. You can also try using lubricants for a more comfortable sexual experience.

• Change in hormone levels: decrease in estrogen and testosterone levels.
• Sexual problems: vaginal dryness, pain, changes in sensitivity.
• No drugs: regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

Symptoms of approaching menopause. Vaginal dryness

One of the unpleasant symptoms of approaching menopause is vaginal dryness. This is due to a decrease in the level of estrogens, which play an important role in the lubrication of the vaginal walls and lips.

Vaginal dryness leads to discomfort, pain and itching in the intimate area and may also cause bleeding during intercourse. This can negatively affect a woman’s quality of life and her relationship with her partner.

Ointments and creams containing estrogens or products based on hyaluronic acid can be used to reduce vaginal dryness during menopause. It is also important to monitor your health and regularly undergo examinations by a gynecologist.

• Advice:
• Avoid soaps and other harsh intimate hygiene products;
• Use special water-based lubricants;
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and moderate physical activity;
• Monitor your emotional state and avoid stressful situations.

Unexpected mood changes at the threshold of menopause

One of the clearest symptoms of approaching menopause is unexpected mood changes. A woman may feel energized and unbalanced, and then suddenly overwhelmed with sadness and sadness.

Failure to control mood can lead to restlessness, anxiety and depression. Considering that such emotional manifestations on the threshold of menopause are in no way connected with external circumstances, they should be observed and, if necessary, consult a doctor.

• Coping with unexpected moods requires quality sleep and nutrition, as well as regular exercise;
• A woman can see a psychotherapist or menopause counselor;
• It is important to communicate with people with whom it is pleasant to be together, to exchange emotions and feelings. Thus, a woman can learn to control her emotions.

19 symptoms of approaching menopause

Irritability: symptom of approaching menopause

One of the symptoms of approaching menopause is irritability. Women begin to notice an increase in their emotions and patience in various situations.

Irritability can manifest itself as a rapid transition from a calm state to anger or in the form of more intense emotional reactions to small things.

Irritability is caused by fluctuating levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone that control mood.

To cope with irritability, women can try exercise or yoga, take relaxing baths, or use breathing techniques.

In addition, it is especially important to monitor your diet and regular sleep, then the possibility of irritability in everyday life will be significantly reduced.

Cardiac arrhythmia during menopause

What is it?

Cardiac arrhythmia is a heart rhythm disorder where the heart begins to beat at an abnormal rate, rhythm, or force.

Cardiac arrhythmia symptoms

• Palpitation sensation
• Heartbeat skipping sensation
• Full heart feeling
• Short-term chest pain
• Dizziness
• Weakness and fatigue

menopause can be caused by a change in the level of estrogen hormones in a woman’s body.

Estrogens affect the functioning of the heart by regulating the contraction of the heart muscle and maintaining a normal heart rate. A decrease in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to heart rhythm disturbances.

How to cope with cardiac arrhythmia?

• Watch your diet and eat more foods rich in magnesium
• Avoid excessive exercise
• Check your blood cholesterol levels regularly
• Avoid stressful situations
• Take drugs that stabilize your heart rate (as prescribed by a doctor) 9002 8

Head pain during menopause

During menopause, many women experience headaches, which can be caused by various factors. Some women experience headaches due to hormonal changes in the body.

Headache symptoms:

• Sharp throbbing pains that can be described as hammer blows to the head.
• Headaches can last for a long time and be especially intense every day.
• Avoidance of bright lights and loud sounds due to impaired sensitivity of the nervous system.

To reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches during menopause, you can take the following steps:

1. Regularly engage in moderate exercise, such as yoga or swimming, to help relax tense muscles and reduce stress levels.
2. Get enough rest and sleep.
3. Eat a balanced diet and drink enough water.

Sample menu to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches:

Fatigue and weakness during approaching menopause

One of the most common signs of menopause is extreme tiredness and constant feeling of being overwhelmed. This is usually due to changes in hormone levels, such as estrogen, that cause a woman to transition from a reproductive to a non-reproductive phase of life.

Women may also experience loss of energy and memory loss due to fatigue and weakness. This can usually lead to lower self-esteem and mood. To reduce these symptoms, it is recommended to increase the regularity of exercise, get enough sleep and rest, and reduce stress in your life. In addition, it is important to monitor your diet by increasing your intake of proteins, minerals and vitamins, which will help women maintain energy and vitality throughout the day.

Problems with memory and concentration are one of the signs that menopause is approaching.

Every woman experiences physiological changes in her body when menopause approaches. One of the symptoms that often appear during this period is loss of memory and concentration.

Shades of blue and coral that should have been bought in the store, a lost key in the house, a forgotten date of an important meeting – all this indicates that a woman is beginning to experience progressive memory and concentration. She may forget what she just said, leave letters meant to be sent on the desk, and lose her focus on tasks that were previously easy.

Scientific studies show that this is due to changes in hormones in the body. Estrogen affects those parts of the brain that are responsible for memory and concentration. If the level of estrogen in a woman’s body decreases during menopause, this can lead to a decrease in cognitive abilities.

• There are a number of tips to help you cope with the loss of memory and concentration during menopause:
• Making lists. Keeping a list of tasks and plans for each day will help you remember important things and focus more on tasks.
• Brain exercises. Games, crosswords, puzzles, reading, learning foreign languages ​​will help keep the brain in shape and develop the ability to concentrate and concentrate.
• Body exercises. Regular exercise and exercise will help reduce stress and fatigue, which will positively affect the brain and cognition.

Related videos:

Q&A:

How to determine what exactly is menopause?

Menopause is a natural physiological process that occurs at the end of ovarian function and the possibility of conceiving a child in women. Menopause can be identified by several signs, such as the absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months, hormonal imbalance, a decrease in the female sex hormone estrogen, and other symptoms.

What psychological changes occur during menopause?

Menopausal women often experience mood changes, depression, irritability, increased frequency of panic attacks and anxiety. Sleep problems and decreased self-esteem may also occur.

Can menopausal symptoms be avoided with medication?

Yes, there are medications that can help manage menopausal symptoms. However, before taking any medication, you should consult a doctor who will offer you the most effective and safest method of treatment.

What foods can help manage menopausal symptoms?

Research shows that regular consumption of fruits, vegetables, greens, and grains can help manage many of the symptoms of menopause, such as headaches, sweating, sleep disturbances, and more. Also, fatty fish, raw nuts, soy, and foods high in calcium can have a positive effect.

How to suppress a fever?

Fever is one of the most common symptoms of menopause. A few ways that can help reduce a fever are to reduce your intake of spicy and fatty foods, wear clothes made from natural fabrics, exercise regularly to reduce stress levels in your body, and drink cold water in moderation.

How long does menopause last?

The period of menopause lasts a different amount of time depending on the individual characteristics of the organism. It can last from several months to several years, but on average lasts about 4-5 years.