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and Health
Going through menopause can be difficult and uncomfortable — but knowing more about the different types of menopausal symptoms and health concerns can help you understand and prepare for what’s ahead. From the physical to the emotional, there’s a range of menopausal issues.
Menopausal Symptoms
Hot Flashes – Hot flashes are sudden, intense waves of heat that spread over your body, usually starting with your chest and head and ending with your arms and legs. They can vary in length and intensity and can be accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and sweating.
Sleep Issues – Sleep issues can include both sleeping too much and sleeping too little, having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or waking throughout the night sweating.
Weight Gain – Weight gain resulting from menopause is usually caused by changing hormones, increased stress levels, and a slowing down of your metabolism.
Foggy Thinking – Some people experience “brain fog,” which is characterized by difficulty focusing, difficulty remembering things and forgetting words.
Mood Swings – Many people experience shifts in moods and unpredictable emotional reactions during menopause.
Vaginal Dryness – Reduced estrogen levels during menopause leads to thinning, dryness, and inflammation of the vaginal walls leading to discomfort and pain during intercourse.
Menopausal Health Concerns
Bone Loss – Reduced estrogen levels can contribute to a decrease in bone mass, which can serious weaken bones and increase the risk of fracture.
Bladder Problems – The lower levels of estrogen can contribute to symptoms like urgency, increased frequency, and incontinence.
Heart Disease – Post-menopausal women are at an increased risk of developing heart disease due to the increase in cholesterol levels and changes in hormone levels.
Managing Menopausal Symptoms and Health Concerns
In order to manage menopausal symptoms and health concerns, it is important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms so that they can suggest an appropriate treatment plan for you. This may include lifestyle changes such as getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, or reducing your stress levels. Additionally, you may also want to discuss treatments such as hormone therapy, calcium supplements, and other medications. It’s important that you take steps to understand and manage your symptoms so that you can take control of your health.
