5 Signs Of Menopause And How To Prepare For It

Menopause is a time of major transition in a woman’s life and one that few women know enough about. There are different stages to menopause, being perimenopause, menopause and ultimately, post-menopause. Learn more about menopausal treatment in Durban in this blog post.

When we consider the fact that perimenopause is a phase that can last anywhere from four to eight years, it can clearly have a marked impact on your life. Therefore, it’s important to know the symptoms and how to prepare yourself for the changes ahead. The most common signs of menopause are related to hormonal changes in the body. Our professional gynaecologist details these changes to the body below:

1. Changes In Menstruation

One of the first signs of the onset of menopause is a change in your menstrual cycle. You may find that bleeding is much heavier than usual, your cycle might suddenly become much shorter or further apart. Minor changes are quite normal, but if you notice repeated, more noticeable changes you should consult your gynaecologist.

2. Hot Flashes

Most of us have heard about the appearance of hot flashes, and as much as 80 percent of women experience hot flashes with menopause. A hot flash is a sudden feeling of heat in the upper body. It usually starts in the face, neck, or chest where your skin may become red and patchy, and you will perspire. These symptoms can last for years, starting early and continuing until menstruation has fully stopped.

3. Disrupted Sleep Or Insomnia

Lower oestrogen and progesterone levels during menopause may lead to disrupted sleep or even insomnia. Hot flashes, as mentioned above, can also cause night sweats which may also contribute to a lack of sleep. As you know, a proper sleep cycle is essential to your health and normal functioning.

4. Emotional Changes

Hormonal changes can often trigger feelings of depression and abnormal mood swings. Women can experience feeling low or anxious more often than they did earlier in their lives. These hormonal changes may also affect libido, leaving you with a lower sex drive. Such emotional symptoms also go hand-in-hand with sleep disturbance.

5. Problems With Urination

Menopause can disrupt a woman’s urinary cycle in that they may need to visit the bathroom more frequently. They can also become more susceptible to UTI’s or urinary tract infections.

Menopause, referring to the absence of menstruation for more than 12 months, can ultimately provide relief from these and other uncomfortable symptoms.

In preparation for menopause treatment, you should make yourself aware of what can be expected. We recommend that you know your body and take note of any changes, not only physically but emotionally as well.

A healthy diet and effective methods of coping with stress and lack of sleep will go a long way to help you navigate these changes in your life.

Menopause occurs for all women at some point in their lives and it can impact your life significantly. The best thing you can do for yourself is to have regular check-ups with a gynaecologist. Not only can they help you prepare, but they also help to get your symptoms in order and help your overall health. Dr Nitesh is a trusted gynaecologist for menopausal treatment in Durban. Book your appointment with us today.

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