First Symptoms Of Menopause - Are You Going Through 'The Change'?
The menopause, which is commonly referred to as the change in life, is defined as the ending a woman's menstrual periods. The average age for this to occur is 51, but there is quite a wide variation with most women experiencing it in their 40's and 50's.
The run up to the menopause is a time when the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone are reducing. This can lead to a number of different symptoms both physical and emotional. It is probably worth pointing out that not all women will suffer these symptoms. Some women are lucky enough to be able to sail through the menopause without hardly noticing any changes. For others it is a time of considerable upheaval.
Some of the first symptoms of menopause can be mood changes, which are caused by changes in hormone levels. This varies between different women but can involve feelings of irritability and anxiety. This can come as a bit of a surprise to some women who have always viewed themselves as sensible, levelheaded and practical. Forgetfulness, tiredness and being generally a bit muddle-headed are also a commonly reported change.
Physical changes that occur include the commonly reported hot flashes and night sweats. This is where the body suddenly and uncontrollable becomes very hot. The natural cooling processes of dilating the blood vessels and sweating are brought into play. This can be somewhat embarrassing if you are at work and can further lead to feelings of anxiety about whether others can notice what you are going through.
Other physical symptoms can include vaginal dryness and the skin feeling dry. Some women find that their hands and feet are cold and they may also experience tingling in these areas.
If you concerned whether you have the first symptoms of menopause or something more serious, you should visit your doctor. You can also find more information on this site and by researching on the Internet.