Peri Menopause Symptoms |
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The more common symptoms of peri menopause are: Moodiness, ill temper & feelings of irritability Swinging emotions can make menopausal women feel as if they are on a rollercoaster out of control. Like pre menstrual syndrome (PMS), feelings of irritability or moodiness during menopause are very common; they are caused by natural hormonal fluctuations. Most women learn to cope with mood swings by doing regular exercise or performing relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga. Becoming easily upset & teary Because the hormones are changing so dramatically, menopausal women can find they become teary and emotional at the drop of a hat and often for no reason at all. Dealing with unpredictable mood swings is not easy (for the woman or those around her) but by learning coping mechanisms such as breathing exercises and relaxation techniques, you can essen the impact on yourself and others. Hot or cold flushes Many women report having hot or cold flushes as well as feelings of associated clamminess or sweatiness. The hot flush has become one of the more 'stereotypical' signs of menopause. Both reflect a change in your body's internal thermostat, a factor that is regulated by the hypothalamus. During menopause less estrogen is produced by the ovaries; the hypothalamus detects this drop and responds by altering your body's temperature, hence causing these feelings of hotness or coldness. Decreased or loss of libido Menopause includes a decrease in hormonal levels, specifically estrogen and this can cause a reduction in libido or lowered interest in sex. Some research points out that although many menopausal women report having a lower libido, their level of sexual activity nevertheless remains steady, suggesting the relationship between normal menopausal hormonal changes and libido is a complex one and at this time needs a lot more study. Disrupted or altered sleeping patterns Menopausal women can often develop calcium deficiencies. Calcium acts as a sedative on the human body and this deficiency can lead to restlessness, an inability to fall to sleep, as well as poor sleeping patterns throughout the night. This can be extremely frustrating and tiring for women and a lack of quality sleep can also compound other problems such as feeling emotional or experiencing moodiness. A calcium supplement, as well as engaging in gentle relaxation exercises, can help. Unusual or irregular menstrual cycles, both lighter or heavier bleeding Because menopause is the cessation of menstruation, women will experience changes to their menstrual cycle culminating in a failure to menstruate at all. This is natural and to be expected. But what women might not know is that disturbances to their periods can occur well before menopause begins; some women report unusually long or short periods, different bleeding patterns, as well as skipped periods well before menopause. Vaginal dryness Menopause involves a reduction in estrogen, the so-called "female" hormone, which amongst other things, is responsible for maintaining healthy, supple vaginal tissue and lubrication. When estrogen drops this leads to vaginal dryness. An unfortunate consequence can be painful sexual intercourse but a suitable lubricant will immediately deal with this problem. Periods of rapid or irregular heart rate One of the lesser known and more frightening symptoms of menopause. Some women say they feel as if they are having heart failure, palpitations or a panic attack. Despite research into this matter, there is no clear medical answer as to why heart arrhythmia occurs in some menopausal women. It often begins during the "peri-menopause" phase and naturally it causes concern. Report this symptom to your physician to eliminate other, potentially more serious causes. Gastrointestinal problems: nausea, indigestion, gas and bloating Balanced hormones help keep the gastrointestinal tract functioning normally. An imbalance, such as there is during menopause with estrogen - and this hormone is a stimulant for the gastrointestinal tract the drop in levels can cause any number of symptoms such as gas, constipation, diarrhea and indigestion. Also, changes to progesterone levels during menopause can cause disruptions to your usual bowel patterns. Menopause also places pressure on your liver, leaving it less energy to do its usual cleansing duties.
Other symptoms of menopause can include
Not all women will experience everything on this list; some will experience just a few, others will experience a combintions of several of them. The secret to getting through menopause is to remember that each symptom is normal and will pass, with or without medical assistance.
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