Menopause is a natural stage in the hormonal life of a cisgender woman. Many women feel apprehensive about this stage, though, because it signals the transition into a completely different chapter of life. You are moving from the child-bearing stage to the non-child-bearing stage. Being properly prepared for this change can help you face this time with grace and knowledge. Let's look at a few signs that you might be approaching menopause.
This is usually one of the first signs women notice. Irregular periods can last for a long time, though, before menopause is actually complete. You may notice that your periods are coming less frequently or more frequently. You might even notice that you skip a period altogether. Even missing a period, however, doesn't mean you've completed menopause; it only means you're approaching this change. Menopause would only be diagnosed if you'd gone 12 months without a period.
Even if you've never had trouble sleeping before, you might notice you're having trouble now as you approach menopause. This is due to the changing levels of hormones in your body. Losing sleep can be detrimental to your health, though. Lack of sleep is associated with decreased immune function and other problems. About 14% of women aged 18 and over are already considered to be in fair or poor health, according to the CDC, and losing sleep can make existing health issues worse. Hormone replacement treatment can help with this problem.
One of the most well-known signs of approaching menopause is mood difficulties. As hormone levels change in your body, it can take a toll on your mental health, mood, and ability to manage stress. Even if you've always been a calm and happy person, hormonal changes may bring out a completely different side of your personality. This can be challenging for women and their families. Hormone replacement treatment is often a crucial part of dealing with this issue.
Your libido is dependent on hormone levels. When those levels change, you might see drastic changes in how you feel about physical intimacy. This can take a toll on your mental health, physical health, and the health of your relationship with your partner. If you're noticing these types of changes, and they are negatively affecting your life, you should talk with your doctor about hormone replacement treatment.
These are only some of the signs of approaching menopause. If you'd like to learn more about this physical change, please contact Keystone Medical Wellness today. We can help you through this critical time in life.
