Sunday, August 18, 2013

Signs of Menopause - Our Guide


There are only 35 signs of menopause? Actually, no there are over 100 known symptoms but these are reportedly the most common and bothersome complaints. It is important to note that not every woman will experience the same things with the same intensity. There can be variability from month to month for many women.

The 35 Signs

Hot flashes/flushes, alternating periods of night sweats and cold flashes may occur. Feeling clammy is also common. These symptoms can occur quite frequently making you feel uncomfortable.

You may experience a rapid heart beat, variable moods with unexplained tears, and sleep problems may be noted. Sleep problems may occur with or without night sweats which are simply hot flashes that happen at night.

Periods will become irregular either heavier or lighter. Phantom periods, shorter than usual cycles or longer ones may occur. Your libido may be diminished and you may experience vaginal drying that can make intercourse uncomfortable.

You may experience mild to extreme fatigue, sometimes feeling like you are "crashing into exhaustion." Sudden anxiety or a feeling of "something is going to happen" has been experienced. You may suddenly feel unexplainably frightened or anxious.

Some women have noted concentration problems, feeling disoriented, mental fuzziness, and forgetting things.

Another common problem you may have is incontinence when you sneeze, cough, or laugh. You may suddenly have an intense urge to go that you can't control. This may cause anxiousness about being anywhere where there are no restrooms nearby.

Your skin might feel itchy and like something is crawling over your skin. Joint pains, muscle and tendon soreness might also happen. Stiff muscles and breast soreness are possible. Changes in the nature of your headaches (if you get them) could be of concern.
Osteoporosis could over time affect your health.

Stomach distress, indigestion, flatulence and gas pain can be very painful. You may feel more bloating than usual. If it is very severe you get medical attention. Symptom intensity can vary greatly.

Some medical conditions may worsen such as allergies. Depression as well, if you already have it, may worsen. It could also be a menopausal symptom. It is important you let your doctor know of any changes that are bothersome or significant. You may begin to gain weight. This is due to the possible increase in appetite or to water retention.

An embarrassing sign of menopause could be the thinning or loss of your hair, loss of all body hair, or there could be an increase in facial hair. Body odor changes can be embarrassing as well. The quality of your fingernails could change: they could become weak, soft, or cracked. They may peel or break easier.

You may become dizzy, feel light-headed or lose your balance once in awhile. Ringing of the ears, buzzing sounds, bells, or a whooshing sound is one of the 35 signs of menopause. You may feel tingling in your arms or legs or feel like a small shock is going under your skin and in the head.

Some women have experienced dental problems. This could include a burning feeling on the tongue or roof of your mouth. The way your breath smells or a bad taste in your mouth could be experienced.

There are pharmaceutical treatments including over the counter medications. Synthetic hormones may be prescribed. Natural treatments such as herbal supplements might also be recommended. High quality herbal supplements are made using only standardized herbal extracts. The ingredients will have been extensively tested even at the molecular level. This helps to ensure the safety, effectiveness, and quality of the supplements from pill to pill and even bottle to bottle. Before taking them however, you should check with your doctor and/or pharmacist as some herbs can affect the performance of drugs you may be taking for other health conditions.

Conclusion

There are more than 35 signs of menopause. Some say there are over 100 symptoms that you could experience to a low or high degree. The hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, and mood swings are among the most well-known and feared. There are a variety of treatment options available. You and your physician can determine what might be best for you.

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