The menopause affects women between the ages of 40-50. Menopause is marked by an end to the menstrual period and can only be diagnosed after a year has passed without one. It is a natural progression, but some women don’t realize they are in menopause until early symptoms and signs. We’ll go over some warning signs to help you understand what your body is going through as it naturally goes through menopause.
Common symptoms associated with menopause
You can expect to see many changes in your body during the months and years that lead up to menopause. You’ll also experience a variety of symptoms as a result of these changes. Menopause is characterized by a number of symptoms.
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Regular periods
- Fatigue
- Changes in libido
- Weight changes
- Hair loss
It’s hard to predict what you can expect from your body as it goes through a change. It’s still important to tell your doctor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. You could be in the beginning stages of menopause.
You may experience irregular menstruation just before you go through menopause. You doctor may prescribe medication to relieve some symptoms.
Premature menopause
A woman’s menopause usually occurs at age 51. A small percentage (1%) of women go through menopause prior to the age of forty. It is called premature menopause. It occurs when the ovaries stop producing normal hormone levels. It may also be caused by an autoimmune disorder. For many women there is no obvious cause. If you experience menopause too early, your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy until you reach menopause’s natural age.
Talk to your doctor
Menopause is part of the aging process, but you should consult your doctor if there are any changes in your menstruation pattern or other symptoms you think may indicate menopause. Your doctor can give you more information on what you can do to keep your body as healthy as it possibly can be and receive the right support.
