The signs and symptoms of menopause begin when a woman enters perimenopause. Initially, declining levels of oestrogen affect menstrual bleeding patterns. The gradual process of hormonal change can also produce a variety of different symptoms. Some women are affected more severely by the signs and symptoms of menopause than others. More about typical signs and symptoms of the menopause is explained in this section.
Signs and symptoms of menopause will be different for everyone. When you go through the menopause, you may notice you have one or more different symptoms. Menopause signs and symptoms will present differently in each woman. For example, one woman may have several symptoms to manage at once. Another may only experience one symptom. Symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats may be mild or severe. A number of women will find they have intense, frequent hot flushes which interfere with their natural sleeping rhythm. Others have extreme mood swings and/or depression triggered by the stress of all the hormonal changes taking place.
In the years leading up to the menopausal transition, you are likely to notice one or more of the following signs and symptoms of menopause.
Common signs and symptoms of menopause include:
Irregular, lighter, longer, or heavier periods
Hot flushes and night sweats
Mood swings
Irritability
A low tolerance to stress
Insomnia
Dry, itchy, or flaky skin
Headaches
Aches and pains in the joints
If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of menopause for the first time, you are advised to visit your GP. Once your doctor has ensured you are in good physical health, they are likely to attribute your symptoms to the menopausal transition.
Signs and symptoms of menopause are caused by declinin levels of oestrogen. It’s not fully understood why some women suffer with intense symptoms while others don’t. As hormone levels gradually become lower over time, women still have periods. However, these tend to change due to the drop on oestrogen. The stage before menopause is called “perimenopause”. On average, women enter the perimenopausal years when they are in their 40s. The signs and symptoms of menopause are caused by what clinicians refer to as “climacteric” change.
If you are having difficulty managing the signs and symptoms of menopause, you can ask your GP for a medical opinion. A number of family doctors are more than happy to prescribe treatments for patients with difficult menopausal symptoms. Your doctor will explain the benefits and drawbacks of using medications before giving you a prescription. Be sure to allow your GP to monitor your health while taking any medications for menopause.
For a safe, natural way to treat some of the signs and symptoms of menopause, many women take Bach flower mix 40. This blend of essences gently calms the emotions during the menopausal transition. Bach flower mix 40 can help you to feel more centred and sleep well, whilst giving your libido a boost. For more energy throughout the working day, consider trying Bach flower mix 40 for managing the signs and symptoms of menopause.
Struggling with the menopause? Wondering how to deal with a range of menopausal symptoms? Read our tips on dealing with menopause here.
Are you unsure which Bach flowers can help you? Contact Tom for free advice.
