A New Chapter: Identifying and Coping with Symptoms of Menopause

Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause. However, flash means fast, which does not stop quickly. In fact, it can trouble you for many years. Hot flashes last for seven to 10 years and occur at different times for each woman. Sudden rise and fall in body temperature can hinder daily life. This can cause heart palpitations and feelings of anxiety, stress or fear. As hot flashes occur during sleep, they can disrupt sleep. To manage hot flashes, avoid potential triggers such as hot beverages, spicy foods, hot air temperatures, stressful situations, alcohol, caffeine, and certain medications.

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These changes of menopause can take a toll on your energy levels. This can make you tired and weak. During menopause, estrogen, progesterone, thyroid and adrenal hormones fluctuate greatly, which can lead to fatigue. All of these hormones are involved in regulating cellular energy in the body.A 2015 study published in Menopause states that early menopause as well as menstrual abnormalities, endometriosis, pelvic pain, and hysterectomy are all related to chronic fatigue syndrome.To fight fatigue, plan your daily routine smartly. Rest whenever you feel tired.

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Excess weight gain is common after menopause. But it's important to keep in mind that menopause-related weight gain may not happen suddenly. This type of weight increases slowly. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, women's weight increases by an average of five kilos during menopause. Some women may gain weight as much as 15 to 25 kg. A 2004 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology stated that there is no direct link between menopausal weight gain and hormonal changes. The study highlights the cause of lack of physical activity and slowdown in metabolism.

Weight gain during menopause is not a good sign, as it has potentially serious consequences for your health. It increases your risk for breast cancer, depression, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet.

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Hair thinning (or hair loss) is one of the main symptoms of menopause, but the problem can last for several months. Hormonal fluctuations caused by menopause affect your hair. Hair loss may begin in the perimenopausal stage. During this time, estrogen levels decrease and testosterone in the bloodstream is more easily converted to DHT (dihydro-testosterone). This in turn reduces blood flow to the hair follicles, causing hair to become thinner day by day. A 2011 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology reported that hormonal changes in menopause have a direct impact on hair parameters. This problem lasts for up to 7.4 years in some women and for longer periods in some women.

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During menopause, there is a significant drop in progesterone and estrogen levels which causes nighttime hot flashes and sleep disturbances. A 2005 study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine reports that there are three major ways in which sleep is affected in menopause – the first being menopausal mood disorder which raises the hypothesis of the development of menopause-related insomnia. The second is an increase in the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing. The third is an increase in the development of fibromyalgia. Due to the problem of sleeping at night, after menopause, most women like to take a nap like a child so that the body can get rest. A nice warm shower 20 to 30 minutes before going to bed can help you deal with hormone-related sleep problems.

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Bone loss and osteoporosis are common in women over the age of 50. In fact, after the age of 35 there may be bone loss in the body which can lead to osteoporosis which can make your bones brittle and more prone to breaks.

A 2008 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism reports that in late perimenopause, bone loss increases significantly. The study also notes that your body weight is also an important determinant of the rate of bone mass density loss during menopause. The hormone estrogen helps keep bones strong. Due to menopause, the ovaries stop producing this hormone, even during perimenopause, which occurs 2 to 8 years before menopause. It affects the health of your bones. Be more careful about keeping your bones strong if you already have a history of osteoporosis in your family.

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After menopause, it is also time to upgrade your moisturizer as menopause leads to dry skin. When estrogen levels drop, so does oil production in your skin, leading to excessive dryness. Some women complain of dry, itchy and red skin.

Along with low estrogen levels, aging also impacts skin health. With age, the skin's ability to retain water and produce oil decreases, making the condition worse. A 2007 study published in Clinical Interventions in Aging reports that although estrogen deficiency is associated with skin changes, intrinsic aging also affects skin physiology. Try using a more hydrating moisturizer to prevent skin dryness. Additionally, it is important to keep yourself hydrated from within.

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The fluctuating hormones that come with menopause can lead to changes in brain chemistry, which in turn can lead to depression. Frequent mood swings and depression can debilitate you. Depression does not appear for the first time after menopause. A 2011 study published in Psychological Medicine found that women were two to four times more likely to experience depression when they were perimenopausal or in the early stages of menopause. Mood swings and depression can be stressful and can cause sudden, sad feelings of sadness, irritation, anxiety or despair without any known cause. Deep breathing, meditation, a healthy diet, proper sleep and support from family can help you deal with the major problem.

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Menopause may cause your "bad" cholesterol to increase. This is caused by hormonal changes related to aging and menopause, particularly a decrease in estrogen. A study in 2015 by the North American Menopause Society reports that menopause reduces the effects of good cholesterol, thus making women more likely to have artery hardening during menopause. A woman's transition through menopause leads to an increase in good cholesterol, which surprisingly was actually associated with more plaque buildup. It turns out that the quality of HDL "good" cholesterol may change during the menopause transition. However, a healthy lifestyle can prevent these fluctuations in cholesterol levels. Make sure you get plenty of exercise and eat a healthy diet.

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Most women experience memory loss from time to time, especially before or after menopause. For some, forgetfulness becomes a problem and one that affects your daily activities. Regular forgetfulness during menopause is caused by a decrease in hormone levels in the body. The decline in estrogen can affect memory, especially before or during menopause. It helps regulate the levels of another hormone, called cortisol, which affects the way your brain chemicals work. Due to an imbalance in cortisol levels, the brain occasionally malfunctions, resulting in short-term memory loss. Try to stay sharp by doing crossword puzzles, playing chess, reading, or using the computer to challenge your brain.

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Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being around 51. During menopause, the ovaries gradually decrease hormone production, leading to the cessation of menstruation and the end of fertility. Common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and changes in libido. These symptoms can vary in severity and duration among women.

Menopause is also associated with long-term health risks, including osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, due to declining estrogen levels. However, with appropriate lifestyle modifications and medical interventions, these risks can be managed effectively. Overall, menopause is a natural and inevitable phase of a woman's life. While it may bring about challenges and discomfort, it also represents a new chapter characterized by wisdom, self-discovery, and personal growth.