10 Signs & Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause can present itself in many ways. The most notable symptom is the tapering off of menstruation. However, before this even begins, there are many signs and symptoms that can indicate that menopause is just around the corner. Here is the top ten.

Hot Flashes

It is so common, it is almost cliché, but hot flashes really are a symptom of menopause. A hot flash is a sudden rush of blood to the face or the chest. You will feel hot to the touch, appear red and possibly sweat.

Night Sweats

They usually go along with hot flashes, but not necessarily. In the middle of the night, you may feel suddenly cold but be sweating up a storm. This clammy feeling is uncomfortable but a surefire sign of menopause.

Mood Swings

While mood swings often go along with PMS, they are also associated with menopause. You can feel weepy, irritable, overjoyed or depressed. Whatever your mood, they are bound to swing from one end of the spectrum to the other during menopause.

Fatigue

While fatigue can be a sign of many other conditions, in combination with any of the symptoms in this list, it very well may point to menopause. Fatigue can be described as generalized weakness, tiredness regardless of amount of sleep and a general feeling of being unable to complete daily tasks.

Anxiety

Along with mood swings, anxiety can be a symptom of menopause. You may feel apprehensive about things you used to do with ease, or previous anxieties may be increased. If your anxiety becomes disabling, you may need to seek professional help in managing it.

Incontinence

While incontinence is common after giving birth, it can also present itself during menopause. The leakage of urine while laughing, sneezing or straining is commonly associated with menopause.

Breast Tenderness

While breast tenderness can be associated with PMS as well, it is also associated with menopause. As your body goes through dramatic changes and hormonal fluctuations, the breasts are prime suspects for tenderness and pain.

Headaches

Hormonal fluctuations have been known to be associated with headaches, so it is no surprise that menopause can make your head hurt as well. If you have suffered from headaches all your life, they may be worsened or changed during menopause.

Dry Vagina

The natural lubrication that lines the vaginal walls and that is increased upon sexual arousal can be depleted during menopause. As the hormone levels change and the amount of estrogen present in the body decreases, the vagina can dry out and become uncomfortable.

Weight Gain

Again, hormone fluctuations can reek all sorts of havoc on the body, including weight changes. Weight gain in particular can be a sign of menopause as it shows that your metabolism is slowing down—a key sign of menopause or other hormonal shifts.

At the following source, you can find frequently asked questions about menopause and menopause testing (i.e. when does menopause usually begin)

Our bodies talk, so we need to listen. These brief summary of signs and symptoms of menopause can help you to listen your body.

Now remember: these are just some of the many symptoms of menopause or signs that it is swiftly approaching. There are many others, but these are the most common.

This article is written by Christy Berger. A longer version of this article can be found along with other home testing and early disease articles at 10 Early Signs & Symptoms of Menopause. You can also read some more signs and symptoms of menopause in the frequently asked questions about on Home Test Kits – Home Drug Test Kits.

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