Pregnancy And Childbirth Advisor

Approximately 70 percent of women who are nearing menopause experience noticeable symptoms. Menopause symptoms are a result of changing hormonal levels. This is in preparation for the shutdown of the female reproduction system. As hormone production decreases, most women will start to have symptoms even if their periods haven’t stopped.

Women generally begin to experience the first signs of menopause anywhere between their late 30s and early 40s. This is the time when a woman’s body cuts down on the production of progesterone and estrogen. Perimenopause is the name give to this phase of menopause.

The ovaries gradually stop releasing eggs, so ovulation becomes irregular. It’s harder for a woman to become pregnant at this time because she becomes less fertile. As well, pregnancy during this time has more risk associated with it.

An irregular period is the most noticeable early warning that menopause is near. Usually the flow is much heavier or much lighter than the woman has experienced to that point in time.

Mood swings are also a sign of menopause. This condition might require prescription medications for depression.

Hot flashes are another common experience. It’s a surge of heat throughout the body that appears without warning, frequently during the night. She’ll start sweating profusely and her face will turn red.

Excess abdominal fat and sleeping disorders are also signs of menopause. Exhaustion and depression are often the result of a sleeping disorder, so get the advice of a doctor to manage the problem.

Some women also experience a diminished sex drive and vaginal dryness. Other signs of menopause are thinning hair and falling breasts.

In a woman’s 40s, these symptoms become more pronounced. Some time soon after turning 50, the transition is over. Once a woman has made it through a full year without having a period, she has officially reached menopause. The average age for this is 51.

Most women will experience symptoms through the entire process of menopause. On the other hand, there are women who are never rid of them for the remainder of their life.

Menopause is a unique experience for each woman. Some will hardly notice that it’s happening. Others will have symptoms that disrupt their lives.

Visit your doctor if you think you’ve started menopause. He or she will be able to advise you on how to deal with the various stages of menopause. Some of the methods of managing the symptoms include lifestyle changes, pain relievers and hormone therapy.

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