Professional Health Blog

Menopause is defined as the absence of the woman’s menstrual periods for 12 months. The menopausal transition starts with a varying menstrual cycle length and ends with the final menstrual period and it usually installs in women once they approach or pass age 50.

Menopause has a series of symptoms through which the woman is made aware of the fact that this period is approaching. Because menopause is closely related to all sorts of hormonal activity, its symptoms differ from person to person. You will hardly find two women who will report the exact menopause symptoms.

There are many symptoms of menopause and a woman may witness more or less of them. Among the most frequent menopausal symptoms, one can mention irregular virginal bleeding. Some women have minimal problems with abnormal bleeding during perimenopause whereas others have unpredictable, excessive bleeding.

Before the woman starts her menopause, her periods can come earlier or later, she witnesses changes in the menstrual cycle. All menstrual activity must be closely watched during this period, so all women who develop irregular periods should see a doctor to confirm that the irregular menses are due to perimenopause and not as a sign of another medical illness.

Another symptom most women who are at their menopause describe are hot flashes and night time sweats. These feelings of warmth that spreads over the body that are often most pronounced in the head and chest are associated with the hormonal changes the woman’s body suffers during menopause.

Other symptoms associated with menopause are situated at the vagina’s level. Vaginal symptoms occur as a result of the lining tissues of the vagina becoming thinner, drier, and less elastic because the levels of the estrogen hormone drop.

Women have also described a long list of menopause symptoms. In fact, the list of such symptoms is very long, ranging to around 34 menopause symptoms. Other such problems women describe are emotional and cognitive changes (memory problems, irritability and sudden changes of mood and behavior), physical changes (gains in weight, skin problems - wrinkles, acne, hair growth on the chin, upper lip, chest, or abdomen) or urinary issues.

When women notice any of the 34 menopause symptoms, they should see a doctor at once to tell them exactly their medical condition and to recommend medical care, if required. If these 34 menopause symptoms are left untreated, the woman may develop a series of complications (osteoporosis or cardiovascular diseases, to mention just a few of these more severe problems that can affect women at menopause).

John Gibb is a nutrition enthusiast with over ten years of nutrition education and has now become a freelance writer. Currently, he focuses on information articles focused on women’s health and fitness. Read more at www.the-menopause-source.com