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What Is Menopause?
Common Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause affects every woman differently. The transition to menopause can take years. Your only symptom may be a change in your period or your period stopping. Hot flashes are the most frequent symptom as hormones fluctuate, but you may have others, too. Some common symptoms of the menopause transition include:
- Change in pattern of periods. The can be shorter or longer, lighter or heavier, more or less time between periods. Because of the irregularity and unpredictability of this, you may still be able to get pregnant.
- Hot flashes—sometimes called "hot flushes"—and night sweats. These are sometimes followed by a chill.
- Trouble sleeping through the night, with or without night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood swings, feeling crabby and crying spells, likely because of lack of sleep
- Feeling mixed-up, confused or unfocused
- Hair loss or thinning on your head. Hair growth on your face.
- Racing heart
- Headaches
- Joint and muscle aches and pains
- Change in sex drive
- Bladder control problems
As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.
SOURCES: WebMD Public Information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: "Menopause and Menopause Treatments." WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with The Cleveland Clinic: "Menopause Basics."
