Let’s start with the basics for all those who do not know a single thing about menopause.
Menopause causes a decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones in a woman’s body starting from her late forties.
Menopause is that time in a woman’s life when she goes through a full 12 months without her menstruation period. It is a natural process and happens to every woman after she crosses a specific age.
Premature Or Late-Onset Menopause
If a woman is below 40 and has already begun menopause, it will be known as premature menopause. Most women begin menopause when they are in their forties, but some will not have it until their 50s. This is not common, but it happens to many women. If someone is above the age of 51 and still hasn’t begun their menopause, it is late-onset menopause.
Many women opt for removing both their ovaries before their menopause. The menstruation cycle eventually stops after that; this is surgical menopause.
How Do You Know?
The first thing that you may notice is an irregular period cycle. The other physical symptoms that you might see are:
- Vaginal dryness
- Thinning of hair
- Dry skin
- Loss of breast fullness
- Slowed metabolism and weight gain
- Mood changes
- Sleep problem
- Chills
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
Again it is crucial to understand that the symptoms can vary among women. But the one way you can be sure of it would be an irregular menstruation cycle. It is very common to skip periods during menopause. Either they will skip for a month and come back in the next month or even be gone for several months and be regular for the following months.
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes begin during the time of pre-menopause. They last for at least three to five years, and every year they get worse.
Hot flashes can also lead to night sweats, which may cause sleep problems. Try to avoid alcohol, caffeine, hot beverages, and spicy food, and keep a check on all those things that are likely to trigger it. Some women find deep breathing exercises helpful.
