Women's bodies experience many changes during their lifetime, and one of the most significant changes happens during menopause. Menopause is when a woman stops ovulating and her menstrual periods end. This usually occurs around age 51, but it can happen earlier or later. According to Medline Plus, once a woman has not had a period in a year, she has reached menopause. However, menopausal signs may occur earlier. Here are five signs that you may be going through menopause.
Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause. When you have a hot flash, you suddenly feel a wave of heat, and your face and neck may flush red. You may also sweat or experience chills. Hot flashes can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes, and you may experience them several times a day.
Insomnia, or the inability to sleep, is a common problem during menopause. Hot flashes can make it hard to sleep, and you may wake up feeling sweaty and hot. You may also have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
You may feel more irritable or moody during menopause. It's also common to experience depression or anxiety during this time. These mood changes are often due to the hormone changes that occur during menopause.
During menopause, your body undergoes a hormonal flux. As a result, you may start losing interest in sex. You may also experience vaginal dryness that makes intercourse less pleasant.
As you age, you are likely to experience urinary problems. This issue happens because the tissues in the vagina and urethra can thin out and become less elastic. A lack of elasticity can lead to urinary incontinence, or the leakage of urine when you cough, sneeze or laugh. You may also have to urinate more often.
If you're experiencing any of these signs, you may be going through menopause. Menopause is a natural part of a woman's life, and while it may come with some discomfort, there are ways to manage it. Many women find that hormone replacement therapy enables them to feel happier and healthier during menopause. Talk to your doctor to see if hormone replacement therapy is right for you.
