Menopause is a natural process that all women experience throughout their lives -usually during their late forties and fifties. Menopause is defined as the time when a woman has not had a period for twelve consecutive months. However, the entire process of menopause and perimenopause can last for a few years and, for some women, can be a very emotional and destabilizing experience.
Both menopause and perimenopause come with physical, emotional, and psychological changes. While some of these changes might be minor, others may be more consequential. Therefore, it’s useful to understand these changes and what steps can be taken to help reduce their impact on your quality of life.
Symptoms of Menopause
As menopause occurs, women may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Hot flashes
- Trouble sleeping
- Changes in libido
- Irritability and/or mood changes
- Pain during sex (vaginal dryness)
- Vaginal and urinary problems
- Depression
- Weight gain and slowed metabolism
- Night sweats
Every woman experiences menopause differently. So, the presence, absence, and severity of these symptoms may vary. The intensity of these symptoms may also change over time. The important thing to note is how symptoms impact your quality of life and day-to-day activities.
