Menopause Signs

What is Menopause?

Menopause is the time in a woman's life when her ovaries stop producing eggs (darn, no more kids?).This causes a reduction in the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Because of that, menstruation ceases. This alone is cause for some celebration. The problem though, is that the hassles of having a monthly period are replaced by equally, if not worse, occurrences.

Menopause doesn't happen all at once. Nope, it has a tendency to sneak up on a girl, in phases. The 3 phases of menopause are: perimenoupause, menopause and post-menopause. Each phase has its own distinct characteristics and symptoms.

Perimenopause

Doctors refer to it as a "transition period." Perimenopause occurs anywhere from 2 to 8 years before your final period. It also encompasses the year after your last period. It usually begins in a woman's forties but it can happen as early as the mid-thirties. Symptoms of perimenopause include: irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and a decrease in vaginal lubrication. This period can last 6 years and the symptoms may be so subtle that you don't even realize you are perimenopausal.

Menopause

This simply means that you haven't had a period for 12 months. Honestly.. .that's all it means.

Post Menopause

This phase of menopause encompasses all the years after menopause.

Symptoms of menopause vary from woman to woman. Some women may have all of the symptoms, some may have none. Some of the symptoms may be horrible or very slight, depending upon the woman.

Here are some of the common symptoms of menopause:

Hot flashes are probably the most common complaint of menopausal women. This is a sudden, overwhelming feeling that somebody just lit a fire right next to you. Hot flashes can cause moderate to heavy sweating and even chills.

Night sweats. These are just hot flashes in the middle of the night.

Vaginal dryness is another common complaint in menopausal women, causing painful or uncomfortable intercourse.

Mood swings, irritabiltiy and anxiety can also accompany menopause.

Other changes you may experience include weight gain, especially in the abdomen. Studies have shown that the average woman can gain 12 to 15 pounds during menopause.

Avoid hot, spicy foods and alcohol and caffeine.

Place electric fans next to the bed, computer, tv or anywhere you spend a lot of time.

Wearing loose, cotton sleepwear can help minimize night sweats.

If the symptoms for menopause are severe, see your doctor. There are ways to ease the discomfort.