Menopause can make women feel a variety of physical and emotional symptoms as their bodies transition into this new phase of life. The most common physical symptoms associated with menopause include:
- Hot flashes - Sudden feelings of warmth spreading through the body, often most pronounced on the face/neck/chest areas. Hot flashes can come on rapidly and range from mild to severe. They may be accompanied by sweating and flushing skin.
- Night sweats - Hot flashes occurring at night that can interrupt sleep and cause excessive perspiration. This may require changes in pajamas/bedding.
- Vaginal/urinary changes - The vaginal walls may become thinner/drier leading to itching/discomfort/pain during sex. Some women experience more frequent urinary tract infections or an overactive bladder.
- Irregular periods - Menstrual cycles often become irregular as menopause approaches. This may include heavier/lighter flows, or missed periods. Ultimately periods stop completely in menopause.
- Insomnia - Falling asleep and staying asleep may be harder due to night sweats, anxiety, or hormone changes. This can lead to chronic fatigue/irritability.
Emotionally, women may feel:
- Moodiness/Irritability - Hormone changes can trigger mood swings, anxiety, sadness, or irritability making it hard to cope with stress.
- "Brain fog" - Many women report memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, or feeling off their usual mental sharpness.
- Lower libido - Declining estrogen levels can lead to decreased sex drive and less vaginal elasticity/lubrication making intercourse painful.
- Distress about aging - Some women feel distress about their changing body image, including weight gain and skin changes. Coming to terms with aging can be difficult.
Coping strategies that may help manage menopause symptoms include:
- Staying active with regular exercise
- Practicing stress management techniques
- Making dietary changes like avoiding caffeine/alcohol/spicy foods
- Trying supplementary vitamins/herbs like vitamin E, black cohosh, etc.
- Using water-based vaginal lubricants during intercourse
- Wearing light, breathable clothing
- Using a portable fan or keeping rooms cooler
For severe symptoms, women may explore
hormone therapy which can help regulate hormones levels. Popular options include:
- Low-dose birth control pills
- Skin patches/gels containing estrogen
- Vaginal rings containing progesterone