Category: News

How do I know if I am in menopause?

Marking the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles, menopause is a journey into a new era of a woman’s life. As a completely natural process, it signifies that a woman’s ovaries have stopped producing hormones.

The time between the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles and the start of menopause can be one of the most difficult periods a woman will endure. The transition lasts one year and generally happens for women between the ages of 45 and 55. Oftentimes, it can be hard to understand whether you have entered this natural process.

Irregular Periods
→ The first sign of change is when a woman begins experiencing irregular periods. You might notice changes in bleed flow and the length of a cycle.

Hot Flashes 
→ Hot flashes are related to changing estrogen levels in a woman’s body. The sudden rush of heat that you may feel at night is a hot flash. Oftentimes disturbing, hot flashes last between 30 seconds to 10 minutes.

Cold Flashes 
→ On the opposite spectrum of hot flashes are cold flashes, which entail a sudden tingling sensation of shivering. When estrogen levels spike, you may find yourself shaking and turn pale. Cold flashes are temporary and similarly last for just a few minutes.

Night Sweats 
→ Repeated episodes of heavy sweating while you sleep are another signifying symptom of menopause. You might find yourself in soaked nightclothes or bedding and wake up sweating heavily.

Anxiety
→ Fluctuation in estrogen levels is a main perpetuating factor for your body to feel anxious or depressed. You may feel nervous, have social anxiety, and if worsened even panic attacks. Moreover, it is common to feel menopausal anxiety.

Sleeping Problems 
→ During the transition, many women often find themselves struggling to get a good nights sleep. You might find yourself waking up too early and falling asleep really late. This can be caused by night sweats, hot flashes, and cold flashes disturbing your sleep.

Mood Changes 
→ The hormonal changes in your body can also cause mood changes, enabling you to feel more irritable or moodier during your menopausal transition. Stress, lack of sleep, and family changes are all causes of mood swings.

Menopause is a new experience for every woman. While it can be challenging to navigate, it is important to understand your symptoms to find solutions and take care of your health.

References:

Should I Be Worried About Cold Flashes

Menopause Transition

Night Sweats

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