5 Signs and Symptoms of Menopause

Identifying the signs and symptoms of menopause can be extremely beneficial. As inevitable as menopause is and even though women know they have to expect it, it still comes as a surprise. It is all well and good to know that sometime between our forties and fifties, we are going to be going through menopause. However a lot of women do not feel their age when they reach that point so the turmoil their bodies start going through comes as quite a shock! That being said, learning to pinpoint the symptoms can help you prepare yourself, both emotionally and physically.

In all, there are about five major signs that indicate you are going through or about to go through menopause. In general, these are actually the signs of pre menopause,  also known as perimenopause. This is the stage that leads up to menopause, because in truth, only when you have gone twelve full months without a period are you considered menopausal. As you might expect, the most telltale symptom involves your menstruation. Simply put, your period will start becoming quite irregular. If you do not normally menstruate regularly, you will want to begin paying very close attention to your schedule, especially beginning around your forties. However there are other signs that can help in this instance. For example, your flow may be heavier or lighter than normal. The time it lasts may differ significantly.

Changes in the way you ovulate are also a sure sign. Because your body starts producing less estrogen, which is needed to trigger certain other hormones that in turn trigger ovulation, your cycle becomes irregular in this respect as well. Cramps might be more severe – or non existent. This is also the point where becoming pregnant is less of a sure thing, so to speak. Your fertility starts decreasing.

Two words: hot flashes. Two more words: night sweats. These two go together hand in hand and, with the exception of your menstruation cycles, are the surest signs that menopause is fast approaching. In some regard, hot flashes trigger night sweats. They are like a vicious cycle. To call them unpleasant is a huge understatement. They are the two things that both menopausal women the most.

Because of the changes going on in your body, it is not at all uncommon to go through periods of insomnia during menopause and the period leading up to it. At the same time you are likely to find that you are completely exhausted, even though you cannot sleep.

These same hormonal changes naturally have an emotional effect as well – lots of them as a matter of fact. These symptoms absolutely cannot be taken lightly. Depression is a frequent occurrence in women going through menopause. Mood swings and irritability should be expected, but it is the depression you really need to watch out for – you are going through so many changes, do not underestimate the importance of being healthy emotionally.

There are ways to deal with all of these symptoms. There are natural remedies and medical ones. The best things you can do are keep yourself informed about what to expect and stay in close contact with your doctor.