Menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes or night sweats, are caused by changing hormonal levels in the female reproductive system. Symptoms of menopause usually last for the whole menopause transition (until the mid 50s), but some women may experience them for the rest of their lives. most common symptoms are: Hot Flashes, Night Sweats, Irregular Periods, Loss of Libido, and Vaginal Dryness.
Changes in menstrual periods | Bone loss |
Hot flashes, nights sweats, & insomnia | Stress |
Mood swings | Forgetfulness |
Weight gain (decrease in HDL; increase in LDL) | Palpitations |
Fatigue | Hair thinning & dry skin |
Loss of Libido | Vaginal dryness |
Menstrual irregularity is usually the first sign of the hormonal imbalance leading to menopause. Monthly periods may become heavier or lighter and/or occur at irregular intervals. Hot flashes (aka hot flushes), night sweats, and mood swings are also telltale indications of menopause. The intensity and duration of these symptoms vary from woman to woman: Some women seem to just breeze through “the change of life” while others have a hard time coping and require medical and psychological support.
It is surrounded by lots of confusion and dispute. For example, while estrogen replacement therapy has been known to reduce hot flashes, increase HDL, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, it has also been linked to serious adverse effects, such as high blood pressure, blood clots, increased cancer risk, and certain estrogen-dependent conditions (e.g. fibroids and endometriosis).