Menopause Signs and Symptoms
Wondering if you are experiencing menopause signs and symptoms?
See this list, and find out.
Because of dropping levels of progesterone and estrogen, the majority of women entering menopause experience at least a few of these menopause signs.
1. Hot Flashes
This is one of the most common menopause symptoms. In fact, 75-80% of all women experience these. They occur because of estrogen and progesterone levels are dropping.
Learn more about hot flashes.
2. Night Sweats
Again, 75-80% of women experience these as well. They are the same as hot flashes, only they occur at night, making it difficult to sleep.
Learn more about night sweats.
3. Irregular Periods
As your body begins to prepare for menopause, you begin to experience irregular periods. They may be lighter or heavier than you are used to. It does not matter how they are different, just that they are different from your normal periods.
It is caused from a low progesterone level. Your progesterone level naturally drops as you enter menopause, as progesterone is one of the main hormones that causes you to have your period.
Learn more about irregular periods.
4. Vaginal Dryness
This is caused from low levels of estrogen and progesterone. It can make urination and sexual intercourse painful.
Learn more about vaginal dryness.
5. Loss of Libido
Our dropping hormones levels can make it difficult for us to feel sexy. But, the most common cause for a low sex drive is relationship issues.
Learn about increasing your libido.
6. Breast Pain
Tender breasts are common before our periods and into menopause.
If your breast pain lasts longer than two straight months, be sure to see your doctor. There, you can get your hormone levels checked and get screened for breast cancer.
Learn more about breast pain.
7. Headaches and Migraines
An imbalance in our hormones can cause us to experience some very intense headaches and migraines.
Learn more about migraines.
8. Digestive Problems
This might include indigestion, nausea, gas pain, or bloating, and it can be caused from our shifting hormone levels. Although digestive issues are a natural menopause sign, be sure to see your doctor if you feel severe stomach pains.
9. Sleep Disorders
You may have a hard time sleeping because of night sweats, or you may be free of night sweats and experiencing insomnia. Many women have difficulty sleeping in menopause.
Learn more about menopause insomnia.
10. Joint Pain
Pain in your joints is a common symptom of menopause. It can be caused by a low level of estrogen, but it can also be caused by lack of exercise, a poor diet, stress, or other issues. See your doctor to find a treatment that is right for you.
Learn more about joint pain and osteoarthritis.
11. Weight Gain
Between changes in metabolism and a growing insulin resistance, most women gain between 5-12 pounds throughout menopause. It's not a fun menopause sign, but it affects most of us!
Learn more about menopause and weight gain.
12. Bone Loss
About one third of women in menopause suffer from bone fractures due to osteoporosis. A low estrogen level can cause osteoporosis. Be sure to take calcium supplements and engage in a regular exercise routine.
Learn more about natural osteoporosis treatments.
13. Hair Loss
Our hair needs estrogen to grow, so when our estrogen levels drop, we begin to loose our hair.
Learn more about estrogen and hair loss.
14. Mood Swings
Just as we experienced mood swings during PMS, we can experience mood swings in menopause as our hormone levels are dropping. A low level of estrogen can affect our body's serotonin levels, which affects our mood.
15. Fatigue
If you are in menopause and feeling tired and low energy, you are not alone. This is one of the most common menopause signs. As with most of these symptoms, our lack of energy is mainly caused from our low hormone levels.
Learn more about menopause fatigue.
16. Confusion and Cloudy Thinking
Cloudy thinking, difficulty concentrating, and forgetfulness are all symptoms that you may experience as you go through menopause. Your doctor will be able to help determine if your mental fog is indeed caused from menopause.
17. Depression and Anxiety
Some women begin to feel depressed and anxious as they reach this stage in life. It is understandable. We are aging and ending a large chapter in our lives. Know that you are not alone.
Learn more about menopause depression.
Be sure to see your doctor to find a treatment plan that works for you.
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