Menopause Symptoms

Fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone can cause a variety of symptoms. Because each woman experiences menopause differently, some have many symptoms and some have very few. Severity of symptoms also varies a great deal.

Symptoms include:

Irregular Periods and Irregular Ovulation

• Shorter or longer cycles
• Heavier or lighter bleeding
• Spotting in between periods
• Reduced fertility

Hot Flashes

• Reported in up to 80% of American women
• Sudden onset of a feeling of heat
• Face and neck flush
• Lasting 30 seconds to five minutes
• Occurring at any time
• Usually stop within a few years after menopause

Vaginal and Bladder Problems

• Skin in genital area becomes drier and thinner
• Sexual intercourse may become painful
• Vaginal infection potential increases
• Urinary tract problems may occur, such as infection and incontinence

Changes in Sexuality

• Attitude toward sex may change
• Diminished interest in sex
• Arousal and comfort may be issues
• Liberation from concerns about pregnancy (but should use birth control until one year after last period)
• Risk of sexually transmitted diseases remains

Fatigue and Sleep Problems

• Normal sleep patterns may be interrupted
• Early morning awakening

Mood Changes

• Irritability and Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress and change in family dynamics may contribute to mood problems

Visible Changes in Your Body

• Thickening at the waist
• Loss of muscle mass
• Increase in fat
• Loss of elasticity in the skin

Other Potential Symptoms

• Headaches
• Memory problems
• Joint and muscle stiffness or pain
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thinning of scalp hair; more prominent facial hair (a result of decrease in estrogen;therefore a relative increase in andrigens [male hormones])