Common Symptoms
- Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: One of the most common symptoms of menopause is hot flashes, which can cause sudden feelings of heat and sweating. Night sweats are hot flashes that occur at night, often disrupting sleep. These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration and may be more pronounced in some women than others.
- Irregular Periods: As menopause approaches, menstrual cycles can become irregular, with periods becoming lighter, heavier, longer, or shorter. Eventually, periods will stop altogether.
- Mood Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can lead to mood swings, irritability, or feelings of anxiety and depression. These emotional changes can be compounded by stress, changes in life circumstances, or health concerns, which are common during this time.
- Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort: Decreased estrogen levels can lead to thinning and dryness of the vaginal walls, which can cause discomfort, especially during sexual activity. Some women may also experience urinary symptoms, such as urgency or incontinence.
- Sleep Disturbances: Many women experience difficulty sleeping due to hot flashes, night sweats, or anxiety. Poor sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
- Memory and Concentration Issues: Some women report experiencing “brain fog” or difficulty concentrating and remembering things during menopause. This is believed to be linked to fluctuating hormone levels.
- Decreased Libido: A reduced interest in sex or physical intimacy is another potential symptom due to hormonal changes.