Menopause Signs & Symptoms

The word "menopause" originates from the two Greek words that mean month and
terminate. If it is translated directly, menopause means "the end of the
monthlies"

Most women dread the thought of going through menopause, and as for their
husbands, they dread it even more! This is a time in a woman's life that reminds
her of when she was a girl and first got her period, it's almost the same
feeling, except when you get menopause you know that you are getting older! But
it has to happen some time or the other; you will get it whether you like it or
not, and besides, you should be proud to be a woman!

If you are wondering when you are going to experience menopause, the most common
age to get it is 51, even though it can occur anytime during your thirties to
your fifties. You might also be able to determine when you are likely to
experience it by knowing how old your mother was when she went through it, it
might not always be the same, but that's just to give you an idea.

When To Expect The Menopause Signs Symptoms

Menopause signs symptoms can occur anytime when you are reaching the age of 51,
but it can occur earlier, if this is the case, it will be called early menopause
signs symptoms. This is nothing to worry about and you should just be aware of
the fact that you will be hitting that stage soon and you should mentally
prepare yourself for it. Here are a few of the changes one might experience that
suggests menopause

Signs and Symptoms

· Sudden changes in your menstrual cycle, your periods may become heavier or
lighter than normal or you may just experience irregular periods that you
haven't had before.

· Unexplainable weight gain, especially around the waist.

· Disturbed sleeping patterns that you are not used to or have not experienced
before.

· Insufficient vaginal lubrication

· Night sweats accompanied by hot flushes

· Unusual mood swings

· Depression for no apparent reason

· Nervousness

What Else To Expect

It is likely that you may experience;

· Incontinence - although, if you experience this, you can perform multiple
kegel exercises that might help to strengthen the muscles of your vagina and it
can also help you with urinary incontinence.

· A sudden change in your sex drive - this can mean a decrease in your sex drive
or an increase.

· An unusual change in short-term memory - this you should notice immediately,
but there isn't really anything you can do about it, it is one of those things
life throws at you that you have to deal with for a short period of time.

Many women will experience perimenopausal symptoms for a few years before their
period comes to an end. In this case, they are most likely to experience hot
flushes and night sweats. The hot flushes normally take place for about a year
before termination of the menstrual cycle. It might not be a big deal but it can
lead to sleepless nights, which can then result in numerous negative effects.

You will know when you are experiencing hot flushes as you will feel a sudden
warmness that normally starts in your chest and then goes up to your head and
you may break out in a sweat. They can last for anything up to an hour, but some
may only last for a few seconds.

After Menopause

Women tend to be scared, worried and anxious when it comes to menopause and
having to go through it after they have experienced the menopause signs
symptoms. This is understandable though once they get there, it is a known fact
that they will stop their menstruating cycle and will not be able to conceive
children thereafter.

Some women might feel this, while others may feel relieved and happy that they
have finally reached this peak in their lives. You will not be bound to periods
anymore, as many women hate this time of the month even though they understand
why it is important to have it, and you will also be able to let go of the
thought of becoming pregnant after you have experienced menopause; which means
that you might experience a more pure sex life as the thought of pregnancy will
be clear of your mind.

Dawn M. Olsen is an Advocate for Better Women's Health through Education, Recipe Developer, Soy Food Enthusiast and the Author of "Menopause A to Z - A Definitive Guide to Modern Menopause available online now at a http://www.menopauseatoz.com/ Find out more about how to deal with menopause symptoms.

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