The Signs of Menopause

Menopause is a natural event that occurs in women, causing their reproductive hormones to decline when they reach their 40s and 50s. Menopause generally marks the end of their menstrual cycle and is diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 months without a period. During this transition, women may experience painful symptoms. Although there is treatment available, understand that this is something every woman will experience at some point in their life. Common symptoms include: 

  • Hot flashes 
  • Vaginal dryness 
  • Sleep disturbances 
  • A drop in estrogen 
  • Chills 
  • Night sweats 
  • Mood changes 
  • Weight gain and slowed metabolism

 

Treatments focus mainly on symptomatic relief. For example, vaginal dryness is treated with lubricants or estrogens. Medications, such as oral hormones, can be used to reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes.

What You Need to Know

There isn’t one clear reason as to why some women encounter menopause early, but there are many contributing factors, including;  

  • Family history 
  • Smoking 
  • Chemotherapy or pelvic radiation treatments for cancer 
  • Surgery to remove the ovaries or uterus 
  • Certain health conditions, like HIV and AIDS or missing chromosomes, and autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis

 

Women who go through early menopause may experience symptoms similar to those who go through regular menopause; however, they may also experience higher risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease and osteoporosis, which can result in an early death. Also, because women experience this early, their menopause symptoms may be more severe. Other possible changes include depression and anxiety and the loss of fertility.

Contact Us Today

Please talk to your doctor about next steps to lower your risk of health problems related to early menopause. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, feelings of sadness and anxiety, or if you have any other outstanding questions and concerns, our staff at CT Coastal OB/GYN is here to support you every step of the way and provide any necessary treatment. To schedule an appointment, please call us at (203) 272-1811.