First Signs of Menopause

For many women, the time following the childbearing years are a bit anxious as they see the first signs of menopause. Understanding the progression eases that anxiety.

The word menopause relates quite simply to the last menstrual period a woman has. However, for some women, the event and particularly the build-up to it can bring events and changes in the body which create testing times.

The typical age at which women experience menopause is between 47 and 53. Some women, often due to a hereditary pattern, may experience menopause much earlier. This is known as premature menopause and is classified as any time before the age of 45. It is estimated that approximately 15 percent of the female population experience premature menopause.

Some fortunate women sail through the experience of menopause with few or no difficulties or events which cause concern. For some, it may just be a case of a few months of scant bleeding, culminating in no monthly menstrual blood loss at all. However, for others, the build-up and first signs of menopause can begin up to two years or so before the final menstrual cycle.

One of the more common first signs of menopause are hot flushes. Hot flushes are thought to be triggered by an action from the temperature controlling part of the brain. These can be mild for some, while other women experience excessive discomfort, which causes disruption in everyday life.

"Flashes" often interfere with work, sleep and the general quality of life. Although the episodes are usually short-lived, some women perspire beyond their control, with a need to change clothing. The majority of women feel warm for a few minutes.

For some women, night sweats often contribute to sleep disturbance. Night sweats are similar to the flushes, and are likely to be associated with a sudden drop in estrogen as opposed to a low level of it. Once estrogen hormones settle down and levels stabilize, the sweats and flushes tend to subside.

As with many menopausal or peri-menopausal symptoms, aching joints such as the neck, wrists and shoulders are largely recognized, but have little medical explanation. Some women choose to alleviate symptoms by taking herbal supplements or other alternative therapies. Regular, gently exercise is also believed to be useful, as it releases natural chemicals called endorphins which help cope with pain and discomfort and generally lift mood.

Many women commonly find themselves tearful, upset at the slightest trigger, with a distinct inability to concentrate. These are additional first signs of menopause. Although these emotions can be caused by a number of things, menopausal women do report these events over a lengthy period of time with repeated episodes. These emotions can also be brought on as a secondary consequence of tiredness, which can be triggered by night sweats and general unrest.

For most women, the subject of the menopause is a very private one and although many women are happy to share experiences such as those mentioned above, they may be less comfortable discussing issues relating to sex and how menopause or premature menopause affect it.

Vaginal dryness is something which all women will encounter at times during their lives. As the levels of estrogen begin to fall, the opportunity for vaginal lubrication does, too. For those who are unaware of this symptom, the issue can be upsetting and perhaps one they are not comfortable discussing it with their partner, or even a physician. Fortunately, there are lubricants and other products available for women experiencing this, which allow for a normal sex life.

Along with the possible physical difficulties, some women feel that their libido takes a nosedive in the build-up to the menopause. This can be attributed to two things:

• The effects which some hormone replacement drugs may have.
• A culmination of all the physical symptoms such as sweating and vaginal dryness, which may simply make a woman feel less desirable.

Although accepting that the dreaded ‘M’ word has finally started occurring is a difficult hurdle, once women realize there is very little they can do to stop it the best thing to do is seek advice from a physician about the best way to combat the unpleasant first signs of menopause. With ongoing research, new brands of hormone replacement therapy are being discovered and made available all the time. HRT regulates and in some cases mimics female hormones, which reduce as a result of the menopause. Proper therapy offers women the chance to reduce many of the unwanted effects.

For some, HRT is much-needed relief. For others, the issues surrounding increased risks of some health issues can be a deterrent. It is for these reasons that women need to explore their options fully and make a decision based on being fully informed of the risks and benefits.

Alternative, natural substitutes to HRT are increasing in popularity, but need to be taken with a good level of knowledge and understanding. The good thing is that women have choice of remedies to menopausal discomfort.

• Cheapest Places to Retire
• Top Places to Retire
• Places That Don't Tax Retirement Income

• Pictures of Hairstyles for Mature Women
• Hairstyles for Mature Women
• Short Hair Styles for Seniors
• Over 50 Hairstyles
• Hairstyles for Older Women

• Healthy Aging
• Alzheimer's Disease
• 34 Menopause Symptoms
• Category:Aging and Health