Menopause can be a difficult time for many women. There are a host of symptoms you might experience, from anxiety to unexpected weight gain. Your body is going through a lot of changes, and some of those could bring you great distress. If you're curious about menopause, then continue reading to find out all you need to know.
Key Points
- Every woman experiences menopause differently. Some women may have an easy time, while others may suffer from severe complications.
- It's important to be as informed as possible about what you might experience during menopause.
- Communicate with your partner about these life changes, so that they can support you in the right ways.
Common Menopause Symptoms
The following is a list of common menopause symptoms. Some of these symptoms may also affect women experiencing perimenopause. Menopause will affect every woman in a different way; some will have very few symptoms, while others will experience very severe symptoms.
The key point to remember is that menopause is a completely natural stage in a woman’s life. It is not a disease and it’s most certainly not something you have to struggle through alone. Let your doctor know if you are having any health issues, so that they can determine if you are having symptoms of menopause or a different health concern.
If any of the symptoms you experience with menopause cause you severe distress, be sure to consult your doctor right away. There may be steps you can take to mitigate or eliminate your symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may recommend treating your menopause itself to eliminate symptoms.
If menopause is causing you severe mental distress and you've already spoken to your doctor about it, consider seeing a mental health professional. They can guide you through this process, and help you come to terms with what's happening to your body. Even if you have an easy time with menopause, you may still struggle with what this stage of life signals. You're getting older; for some women, this is hard to come to terms with. There's nothing wrong with seeking extra help to ease this process.
Breast tenderness Burning tongue, burning mouth, change in taste and breath odor Crashing fatigue Dizziness, light-headedness, episodes of loss of balance, headache change (increase or decrease) Electric shock sensation under the skin and in the head Feelings of dread, apprehension, doom Fingernail changes: softer, crack or break easier Gum problems, increased bleeding Hair loss or thinning, head, pubic, or whole body; increase in facial hair Increase in allergies Insomnia , trouble sleeping through the night Joints that ache, sore aching muscles and tendons Kinks in muscles, increased tension in muscles Loss of libido Memory lapses Mental confusion, disorientation, difficulty concentrating Mood swings , irritability, sudden tears Osteoporosis Periods missed; shorter, lighter periods; heavier periods, flooding; shorter cycles, longer cycles Queasiness, gastrointestinal distress, indigestion, gas pain Rapid heart beat ( heart palpitations in menopause ) Skin that feels itchy, crawly, tingling in the extremities Tinnitus, ringing in ears, bells, whooshing, buzzing Urge incontinence, incontinence, stress incontinence Vaginal Dryness Weight gain , sudden bouts of bloating |
How to Talk to a Partner About Menopause
If you're beginning menopause, then you might be wondering how to talk to your partner about it. Menopause is a big change for you that may bring some complicated or severe symptoms along with it. It's important that your partner is kept in the know so that they can be as supportive as possible.
You'll want to pick a time to talk to them about it that isn't stressful or busy for them. Talking to them about it right after work or right before you go to bed isn't the best idea. You want them to have a clear, rested mind, so that they can give you their full attention and consideration.
Make sure you're informed about all the possible experiences you could have before talking to your partner about menopause. This way, you can give them an accurate and informative run-down on what you'll be experiencing. Talk to them about the possible symptoms, and about what they can do to help support you.
Menopause may bring changes to your sex drive, or it may cause symptoms that can make sex difficult or painful. Make sure your partner is aware that these are possibilities. Make a plan together on how you'll tackle these issues if they arise. Never hesitate to communicate any issues that arise in or with your sex life.
Don't feel isolated. We have a complete library of menopause information to help you through this stage of life. Get relief from menopause symptoms by learning the different ways to manage each symptom.
Menopause Information Center
Do not take the content of this article as professional medical advice. It's important to exercise due diligence when obtaining relevant information in matters pertaining to your health. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.