What is Menopause, and What Are Its Symptoms?

Menopause ends the menstrual cycle in women aged between 40 and 50 years. It is usually diagnosed when a woman does not have her period for 12 months.

Menopause is a natural biological process, but its symptoms may cause a major inconvenience in the woman’s health. However, there are many efficient treatments available that can reduce discomfort and pain. AN alamo heights menopause doctor can help women with menopause adjust their lifestyle and hormones to adapt to a better life with less discomfort. 

What are the symptoms of menopause?

The symptoms of menopause may differ for different women. However, the basic symptoms are the same. Here are the symptoms of menopause that can be observed in most of the women suffering from it. 

• Irregular period

Before menopause, the women start to get irregular periods, and they start to see that their cycles have changed. Some even observe that they do not get periods for a long time span. 

• Vaginal dryness. 

Women usually face a lack of wet fluid in their vaginas, and the amount of the wet discharge secreted by it significantly decreases.

3. Weight gain and slowed metabolism.

Menopause usually leads to weight gain and slowed metabolism in women and may also affect the woman’s energy levels and mood. 

Some other symptoms recorded in the women are:

• Chills,
• Hot Flashes.
• Mood changes
• Thinning hair and dry skin
• Sleep problems.
• Loss of breast fullness

These symptoms may vary in different stages of menopause, and they may differ according to the health and adaptions of women. 

How many stages are there in menopause?

There are three stages in menopause. Here are the details about them. 

• Perimenopause

It is also known as the menopause transition. This stage usually starts ten to eight years before the menopause. In this stage, the ovary gradually starts to produce less estrogen. It usually starts when a woman is in her 40s.  

• Menopause

This is the stage when a woman no longer has periods, and her ovaries stop releasing eggs. Also, very low estrogen is produced in the ovaries at this stage. Menopause is usually diagnosed when a woman does not get her periods for over 12 months. 

• Postmenopause.

This stage occurs when a woman does not get periods for a year or more. Due to the lower estrogen levels at this stage, the person is more prone to increased health risks and may get heart disease or osteoporosis. 

The normal age for menopause. 

The normal age for menopause is between 50 to 55 years in many women. This process usually starts when a woman enters her 40, and the post-menopause period lasts till 55 or 56 years. Note that the age of menopause may differ for different bodies and individuals. 

Lewis Michaelson