Life is busy and sometimes we don’t notice or pay attention to what our bodies are trying to tell us. Menopause doesn’t happen overnight. Its symptoms take time to develop, but when they finally appear it can be overwhelming physically and mentally.
As estrogen levels decline, early signs (perimenopause) begin affecting your body, cognition, mood and intimacy. It is important that you are well informed about what to expect and talk to your trusted OBGYN.
Experiencing Any of These Symptoms?
Menopause symptoms vary from one woman to the other, meaning that you can experience one or more of these:
Hot flashes
Hot flashes represent the most frequently reported menopausal symptom. Characterized by a sudden sensation of intense warmth throughout the body, their severity can range from mild flushing to episodes significant enough to disrupt sleep (night sweats). These can occur without warning and may last anywhere from several seconds to several minutes.
Pain during intercourse
Declining estrogen levels result in reduced blood flow to the vaginal tissues, which subsequently affects natural lubrication. This physiological change can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or painful, and may also increase susceptibility to vaginal infections.
Fatigue
Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can significantly impact energy levels, leading to persistent feelings of tiredness and reduced stamina.
Weight gain
Since hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolic function, many women experience changes in weight distribution and an increased tendency toward weight gain during the menopausal transition.
Low Libido
Not interested in sex? Is reaching orgasm difficult? Menopause can wreck your sex life. Due to estrogen fluctuations, 40-50% of women experience loss of sex drive during this time.
Insomnia
Sleep disturbances are commonly reported during menopause. Women may experience difficulty falling asleep, early morning awakening, or disrupted sleep patterns throughout the night.
Mood Swings
Many women experience mood changes during menopause due to hormonal fluctuations, including irritability, anxiety, and emotional sensitivity similar to PMS. While depressive symptoms may occur, clinical depression is not considered a direct symptom of menopause. If emotional or psychological symptoms become concerning, consult your healthcare provider for evaluation and support.
Body Changes
A major concern for women going through menopause is thinning hair, dry itchy skin, and loss of collagen causing wrinkles/sagging skin. Surprisingly, some women may even get acne again or sprout some unwanted facial hair. Since hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolic function, many women experience changes in weight distribution and an increased tendency toward weight gain during menopause.
When Do Menopause Symptoms Begin?
Menopause is defined when a year has gone by without getting a period. Perimenopause is the season leading up to that moment. During this time, hormone levels begin to fluctuate, causing many of the symptoms described above.
Because of this fluctuation, perimenopause is hard to diagnose via blood work. Your healthcare provider will assess your age, your menstrual cycle changes, and related symptoms as it varies from one woman to the other. Generally, women notice changes throughout their 40s, although symptoms can appear during the late 30s or not until the early 50s.
Every one of these symptoms can be addressed under the direct supervision of your provider. Feeling embarrassed or dreading an uncomfortable talk is hard, but living your daily life while you undergo one the the most disruptive changes of your life is hugely difficult. Communicate with your OBGYN what you’re experiencing so menopause can be manageable
Dealing with Symptoms during Menopause
About Estrogen and Progesterone
Estrogen and progesterone are two hormones responsible for regulating numerous vital functions, like the menstrual cycle and egg maturation, bone health, mood, memory, cognitive performance, and thyroid function, among others.
The symptoms that accompany the fluctuation and decline of these hormones can be effectively managed by your provider. There have been many advances in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). If pellets are not an option there are other ways to help bring balance back into your life such as creams, gels, patches, oral pills, injections and vaginal inserts. The key is to maintain an open dialogue with your provider.
About Lone Tree’s Mission
Lone Tree OB/GYN & Midwives is a full-service obstetrics and gynecology office with a team of highly regarded providers recognized throughout the Castle Rock, Colorado, community for their exceptional care.