{"id":1708,"date":"2018-12-26T07:55:56","date_gmt":"2018-12-26T07:55:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/?p=1708"},"modified":"2021-07-15T16:45:48","modified_gmt":"2021-07-15T16:45:48","slug":"10-undeniable-signs-of-menopause","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/10-undeniable-signs-of-menopause\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Undeniable Signs of Menopause"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Menopause is something that every woman will go through. On average, a woman is around the age of 52 when menopause hits.<\/p>\n

However, there are some women who experience perimenopause, which is the transition period that occurs before menopause, as early as their mid-thirties the too early forties.<\/p>\n

This is the natural progression of a woman\u2019s body to reach permanent infertility.<\/p>\n

As a woman in your thirties or early forties, chances are you have been following a monthly routine with very little changes for several years now. Then, you suddenly have a period that is late.<\/p>\n

You may first think that you are pregnant and even take a pregnancy test. It comes back negative and eventually, your period comes.<\/p>\n

So, what is going on? This may be a sign that menopause is starting. Perimenopause is the transition period before full menopause takes place. It is during this time that many women experience several symptoms as her body is changing and different hormones are being produced at different rates.<\/p>\n

Here are 10 signs that likely mean that you are going through perimenopause or reaching menopause.<\/p>\n

1.  Irregular Periods<\/h3>\n

As mentioned, one of the first signs that you are going through perimenopause or menopause is that your periods will become irregular. As your body is changing, the hormones<\/a> that affect your body releasing an egg each month change as well. This can mean that your period may be longer or shorter during the month, or you could even miss a period for one or two months. If you do not have a period for more than 3 months or if you are experiencing extremely heavy periods accompanied by being extremely tired or breathless, should be discussed with your doctor, especially if you are under the age of 40.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. Hot Flashes<\/h3>\n

Hot flashes or flushes are one of the most common symptoms experienced by women going through menopause. These hot flashes can vary in duration and intensity and can occur at any time of day or night.<\/p>\n

Often times, hot flashes<\/a> occur during the night, which causes disturbances in sleep. This symptom is caused by the changes in hormones that are occurring in the body. Women may experience hot flashes for anywhere from two to fifteen years while their body is transitioning.<\/p>\n

Staying hydrated and wearing breathable clothing while avoiding alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine are all ways to lessen this symptom.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. Mood Swings<\/h3>\n

As your hormones begin to have highs and lows throughout the day, you may notices that there is a change in your normal temperament. Many women will feel anxious, become short-tempered, and simply feel irritable throughout the day.<\/p>\n

Not being able to sleep can be one of the contributing factors to these mood swings<\/a>. If you are typically a rather happy person and find yourself becoming more irritable, it could be a sign that you are going through menopause. Eating healthy and exercising regularly are good ways to help deal with these mood swings.<\/p>\n

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\"\"4.  Vaginal Dryness<\/h3>\n

Vaginal dryness<\/a> occurs with the loss of moisture in the vagina. The lining of the vagina typically is soft and moist. When this goes away, the vagina may feel irritated and itch. As estrogen levels are dropping during perimenopause, the tissue in the vagina will become thinner, drier, and less elastic.<\/p>\n

This lack of lubrication may cause sex to become uncomfortable. In addition, the vagina is often itchy, irritated easily, and is more prone to becoming infected. Vaginal dryness can become emotionally distressing and it is important to seek treatment if it starts to affect your quality of life.<\/p>\n

\"\"5.  Urinary Infections<\/h3>\n

Generally speaking, women are more prone to urinary infections than men simply because of the way that we are built. Some women have urinary issues their entire life. For others, urinary infections start to happen more frequently during menopause<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you begin to notice pain and an increase in the number of times you urinate, you should definitely go to your doctor to have it checked out. In addition, you may notice that you have more difficulty holding urine. This is caused by a decrease in the tone and elasticity of the vaginal walls.<\/p>\n

\"\"6.  Loss of Libido<\/h3>\n

Prescription drugs or hormonal imbalance can cause a woman to have a lower sex drive. While everyone will experience highs and lows when it comes to sexual desire throughout their lives, women going through menopause may find a drop in their sexual drive a bit troubling.<\/p>\n

However, it is fairly normal for women going through menopause to experience this lower sex drive simply because of the hormone imbalances that are occurring within the body during this time. Vaginal dryness, depression<\/a>, and other menopausal symptoms may also cause a woman to have a lower sex drive.<\/p>\n

\"\"7.  Weight Changes<\/h3>\n

There are several factors that can contribute to changes in your weight during menopause. A slowing metabolism means that our bodies are burning through fewer calories than it did when we were younger. In addition, higher levels of stress in combination with poorer sleeping habits can all contribute to changes in our weight.<\/p>\n

Changes in hormone<\/a> levels may also cause a woman to gain weight in different areas such as the waist during menopause. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising can help combat these weight changes.<\/p>\n

\"\"8.  Body Odor<\/h3>\n

Body odor is caused by bacteria that grow on the skin. A woman going through menopause may become more self-conscious about the way that she smells. Hormonal changes can cause an increase in the production of sweat. This increase can cause an increase in body odor, even if you maintain a good regimen of personal hygiene<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Changes in body odor are normal for menopausal women, but they can be bothersome. There are treatments available to help with the hormone imbalance and simple lifestyle changes such as choosing breathable natural fabrics to wear can help reduce body odor.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. Muscle and Joint Pain<\/h3>\n

When estrogen<\/a> levels decrease during menopause, it becomes more difficult for the body to replace bone efficiently. Changes in hormones that occur during menopause can cause a woman to have general aches and pains throughout the bones, joints, and muscles.<\/p>\n

These aches and pains may be a sign that the bones are becoming thinner because of osteoporosis. Making sure to get enough vitamin D and calcium in your diet as well as exercising to strengthen the bones and muscles can help prevent this symptom of menopause.<\/p>\n

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\"\"10. Chest Pain<\/h3>\n

When levels of estrogen begin to drop, the sugar and cholesterol levels in the body increase. The blood vessels and the heart become stiffer during this time as well. This can increase your risk of developing heart disease.<\/p>\n

If you experience chest pain<\/a>, especially on the left side, it is important to see your doctor immediately as this could be a sign of a significant health issue. While chest pain may be simply a symptom of menopause and the reduction of hormones in the body, it could be the sign of something else and should always be discussed with your doctor.<\/p>\n\r\n

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