5 Signs That You Have Reached Menopause

The period of transition to menopause, referred to as perimenopause, is often a challenging period for most women. During this period, estrogen levels decline tremendously and remain permanently low. And because estrogen is an essential hormone for many body functions, there is a probability that you will feel the effect of its decline. Do you suspect you might be undergoing menopause Houston? Fortunately, hormone replacement therapy can help reduce the intensity of your menopausal symptoms. Here is a look at the common signs of menopause. Understanding these symptoms will help you get the right treatment and give you peace of mind when you encounter these symptoms.

Changes In the Menstrual Cycle

One of the earliest signs that you might be experiencing perimenopause is changes in your menstrual cycle. The gap between your menstrual periods may be longer or shorter and are often heavier. This is caused by the decrease in estrogen levels which affects ovulation. This makes the time between periods vary, as well as the flow. According to scientific research, 60 days or more between menstrual periods is a sign of late perimenopause.

Vaginal Atrophy

Estrogen is the hormone responsible for vaginal lubrication. Therefore, reduced estrogen levels during menopause often result in vaginal dryness and vaginal tissue thinning. Around 80% of women experience these symptoms. These symptoms are known as vaginal atrophy and often suspect women to have urinary tract infections. Because of vaginal dryness, you might experience pain during sex and reduced libido.

Mood Swings

From depression to anxiety, many women experience mental health issues during perimenopause. If you find yourself experiencing unexplained mood swings, you might be going through menopause. Most women also experience memory deficits during menopause. This memory loss is often described as brain fog and is associated with the fluctuation of estrogen levels in the body.

Difficulty Sleeping

Another key sign of menopause is difficulty sleeping. You might notice it’s difficult to get sleep, or you constantly wake up at night. Due to sleep deprivation, you might feel more tired, down, or moody during the day. Ultimately, disturbed sleep due to hormone fluctuation and night sweats can interfere with the life quality of menopausal women.

Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are a common sign of menopause and are often very uncomfortable. Statistics show that around 75% of women undergoing perimenopause experience hot flashes. Hot flashes often start to show shortly before the last menstrual cycle and last for two or more years.   It occurs in the form of a sudden feeling of heat normally in the neck, face, and chest. Hot flashes can also flush the skin and sweat, making them emotionally and physically impactful experiences. When hot flashes occur at night, they are known as night sweats and can be severe such that you wake up with soaked night clothes or sheets.

Hopefully, you now understand the common signs to look out for if you suspect you are experiencing menopause. While some of these symptoms can lower your quality of life, there are lifestyle changes that can help lower their intensity, such as drinking a cold beverage when experiencing hot flashes. Also, hormone therapy can help relieve symptoms such as hot flashes. However, hormone therapy is not for everyone. Please consult your healthcare provider on the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy and whether it’s right for you.