5 Early Signs of Menopause
Menopause occurs when a woman stops having her period, it typically happens around the age of 45, and menstruation must cease for at least 12-months. The duration prior to menopause is known as perimenopause, which often comes with large hormone fluctuations and a variety of uncomfortable symptoms—such as hot flashes, irregular periods, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and other uncomfortable symptoms. If you think you might be experiencing perimenopause or menopause, talk to your healthcare provider about the best ways to manage these symptoms: 1. Hot flashes and night sweats Hot flashes are an uncomfortable symptom of menopause and can happen on and off for years. When they occur it feels like heat fills the upper body, notably the neck, face, and chest. They occur because hormonal changes (namely estrogen) during menopause make it harder for the brain to regulate body temperature. When they occur at night they are called night sweats as they can cause excessive sweating and disrupt sleep. 2. Anxiety and low mood Many women experience anxiety, mood swings, and low mood as a result of menopause. This is often caused by hormone changes affecting the regulation of how one feels. Energy and mood issues can also be the result of lack of sleep during this time.