What are the Symptoms of Menopause?
The symptoms of menopause are caused by changes in estrogen and progesterone levels and can last for up to 5-years or more. As the ovaries become less functional, they produce less estrogen/progesterone and the body subsequently reacts.
Some women experience no symptoms, while others experience mild to severe symptoms. This variation is normal. A gradual decrease of estrogen allows the body to slowly adjust to the hormonal changes during menopause, but in some women a sudden decrease in estrogen level occurs, causing severe symptoms. This is often seen when menopause is caused by surgical removal of uterus (Surgical Menopause).
Symptoms of menopause include:
- Irregular menstruation
- Palpitations (irregular heartbeats)
- Hot flashes or hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Skin flushing
- Insomnia
- Decreased libido
- Painful sexual intercourse
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- Migraine
- Mood swings including irritability, depression and anxiety
- Vaginal dryness
- Vaginal infections
- Joint aches and pains
- Urinary frequency, urgency or incontinence
