Common signs and symptoms of menopause
Around 75% of women will get symptoms and for 25% of women these will be severe and will impact everyday life. There are around 34 symptoms of menopause and many women may not realise that the way they are feeling is due to menopause. If menopause comes on suddenly – perhaps after surgery – then symptoms can be worse. Let’s have a quick look at some of the top offenders:
Period changes – they may become heavier or lighter, more or less frequent and eventually they will stop.
Mental health – some women experience symptoms such as mood changes, anxiety, mood swings and low self-esteem. They report ‘not feeling like themselves any more’ and problems with memory , concentration and brain fog. All of which can impact their mental wellbeing.
Hot flushes (vasomotor symptoms) – where you get hot or cold and it usually affects the face, neck and chest. These flushes can make you feel dizzy and sweaty and you may get palpitations.
Night sweats – these can disrupt sleep making it hard to concentrate in the day due to tiredness.
Insomnia or just not sleeping like you did previously.
Aches and pains – headaches, muscle aches and joint pains.
Changes in body shape – most commonly weight gain. Especially around the middle.
Skin changes including dry and itchy skin
Reduced sex drive – also vaginal dryness including pain, itching and discomfort during intercourse.
Urinary changes – including increased frequency and recurring UTI infections. Both of which can impact women at work.
Most symptoms subside as we go further into post menopause, but some women continue to have hot flushes, weight gain and low mood and anxiety.
The good news is that there is help available. I can provide workshops and 121 sessions to help you understand and manage your menopause. Including getting to grips with HRT, dietary changes that could help support you through third age and how we need to look differently at exercise.
