You may experience hot flashes, sleep disturbances, urination, and sex-related changes because of menopause. These and other symptoms may last for months or years.
Some women go through menopause without any complications or unpleasant symptoms. But others find menopausal symptoms debilitating, beginning even during perimenopause and lasting for years.
The symptoms that women experience are primarily related to a lowered production of the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. Symptoms
Estrogen regulates the menstrual cycle and affects the
- reproductive system
- urinary tract
- heart
- blood vessels
- bones
- breasts
- skin
- hair
- mucous membranes
- pelvic muscles
- brain
Your period may not be as regular as it used to be. You may bleed heavier or lighter than usual, and occasionally spot. Also, your period may be shorter or longer in duration.
If you do miss your period, make sure to rule out pregnancy. If you’re not pregnant, a missed period could indicate the onset of menopause.
If you do begin spotting after not having your period for 12 consecutive months, make sure to talk with your doctor to rule out any serious conditions, such as cancer.
Hot flashes are one of the most common and primary symptoms of menopause.
These can be a sudden feeling of heat either in the upper portion of your body or all over. Your face and neck might turn red, and you may feel sweaty or flushed.
Intensity of a hot flash can range from mild to very strong, even waking you from sleep. They may
Most women experience hot flashes for a year or two after their final menstrual period. Hot flashes may still continue after menopause, but they lessen in intensity over time.
Your healthcare team can advise you on managing and treating hot flashes, especially if they become more severe and life disrupting.
The decreased production of estrogen and progesterone can affect the thin layer of moisture that coats the vaginal walls.
Women can experience vaginal dryness at any age, but it can be a particular problem for women going through menopause.
Symptoms may include:
- itching around the vulva and stinging or burning
- painful intercourse
- a feeling like you need to urinate frequently
Your healthcare team may recommend treating dryness with a water-based lubricant or a vaginal moisturizer.
If you still feel discomfort, consult your healthcare team.
Having sex or other sexual activity involving the female genitals can increase blood flow to that area. This helps keep the vagina more lubricated and also may prevent the vagina from becoming smaller.
Doctors recommend that most adults get
But during menopause, it might be hard for you to fall asleep or stay asleep. You might wake up earlier than you wish and have trouble going back to sleep.
Sleep disturbances and disorders are a common symptom and issue during menopause.
These tips may help improve sleep during menopause:
- try relaxation and breathing techniques
- exercise during the day can be beneficial so that you’re tired once you hit the sheets
- avoid leaving your computer or cell phone near your bed, as lights can disrupt your sleep
- bathing, reading, or listening to mellow music before bed may help you relax
- keep a routine of going to bed at the same time every night
- maintain a consistent, cool temperature in the room you’re sleeping
- avoiding foods and drinks that affect sleep, including chocolate, caffeine, or alcohol
- self-hyponosis techniques
Consult your healthcare team about other possible ways to improve your sleep if it’s affected during menopause. They may offer guidance on treatments and even medications that might be options for you.
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You may also feel a constant need to urinate even without a full bladder, or experience painful urination. This is because during menopause, the tissues in your vagina and urethra lose their elasticity and the lining thins. The surrounding pelvic muscles may also weaken.
To fight urinary incontinence, abstain from too much alcohol, stay hydrated, and strengthen your pelvic floor with Kegel exercises. If the issues persist, ask your doctor what medications are available.
During menopause, some women may experience more urinary tract infections (UTIs). Lowered levels of estrogen and changes in the urinary tract make you more susceptible to infection.
If you feel a persistent urge to urinate, are urinating more frequently, or feel a burning sensation when you urinate, see your doctor. Your doctor will likely ask that you take a urine test and give you antibiotics.
It’s common to feel less interested in sex during menopause. This is caused by physical changes brought on by reduced estrogen.
These changes can include a delayed clitoral reaction time, slow or absent orgasmic response, and vaginal dryness.
Some women may have more interest in sex as they age.
If your desire is decreased related to another problem, such as painful sex, your doctor may be able to prescribe a medication to help prevent pain. If the decrease in sexual desire bothers you, talk with your doctor.
Vaginal atrophy is a condition caused by the decline in estrogen production and characterized by the thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls.
The condition can make sexual intercourse painful for women, which can ultimately decrease their interest in sex.
Over-the-counter (OTC) lubricants or prescription treatments that include localized estrogen therapy, such as an estrogen cream or a vaginal ring, can treat the condition.
Changes in hormone production affect the moods of women during menopause.
Some women report feelings of irritability, depression, and mood swings, and often go from extreme highs to severe lows in a short period of time.
It’s important to remember that these hormone fluctuations affect your brain and that “feeling blue” is not unnatural.
Your mental health during menopause
Making sure you mind your mental health can be even more important as you approach and go through menopause. You can read more about managing your mental health during these times in your life.
As you age, you will experience changes in your skin and hair.
Loss of fatty tissue and collagen will make your skin drier and thinner and will affect the elasticity and lubrication of the skin near your vagina and urinary tract.
Reduced estrogen may contribute to hair loss or cause your hair to feel brittle and dry.
Make sure to avoid harsh chemical hair treatments, which can cause further damage.
Menopause symptoms can last for months or years depending on the person.
Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms during menopause. You may also experience changes that affect your skin and hair, your sex drive, sleeping habits, and dryness in parts of your body.
Regular appointments with your healthcare team can be beneficial for monitoring your health and answering any questions you may have about menopause symptoms. They may offer advice on managing symptoms, tips to navigate these changes, and possible treatments that could be options for you.