Menopause & Your Body: Knowing the Physical Symptoms

Menopause & Your Body: Knowing the Physical Symptoms

Menopause is the natural phase in every woman’s life, which one day or another will be experienced. The usual age for this is between 45 to 55 years. It is a transition in which your body undergoes many significant hormonal changes as it has stopped producing eggs and your menstrual cycles have ended. While this is a natural biological process, the physical symptoms accompanying menopause are tough and unique for every woman. The more you understand these symptoms, the better equipped you’ll be to deal with them and sail through this transition phase more smoothly.

In this blog, we will focus on some of the standard physical signs of menopause and how they can affect your body.

Here are Common Physical Symptoms of Menopause

1.     Hot Flashes & Night Sweats

One of the best-recognised signs accompanying menopause is the so-called hot flashes. These are sudden heat attacks, generally in the upper half of the body, that can be accompanied by sweating and increased heart rate. Hot flashes may last from several seconds to several minutes and happen daily. When they occur at night, they are called night sweats and can disturb sleep, causing further fatigue.

The cause is not fully known, but it is believed that hot flashes relate to a problem with the mechanism your body uses to regulate your body temperature as your hormone levels change.

2.     Breast Changes & Discomfort

Menopause and breast pain—is there any link? Yes. Many women experience menopause and have complaints of breast tenderness resulting from the fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone levels. Other forms of breast tenderness may range from mild discomfort to sharp, aching sensations. Some may feel it is the tenderness they usually experience before their menstrual cycle. Although not serious for the most part, it can be uncomfortable and affect daily living.

If you experience any changes in your breasts-such as lumps or pain in only one spot-you will want to make an appointment with your doctor to rule out any problems.

3.     Sleep Disturbances

Insomnia and disturbed sleep quite often accompany menopause and are usually accompanied by night sweats and hot flashes. These fluctuations can interfere with your body’s mechanism of controlling sleep and thus make you wake up frequently during nighttime or not fall asleep at all. Poor sleep may lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Try a relaxing bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine in the evening, and keeping your bedroom cool for improved sleep. Sleep disturbances can be discussed with your doctor for various symptom management options.

4.     Weight Gain & Slowed Metabolism

Weight gain in the middle section of the body can be very common in many women during menopause. This could be irritating because, more often than not, hormonal changes slow down your metabolism and speed up your weight gain upward. The problem with your weight is compounded because muscle tends to shrink as you age, further lowering your metabolism.

The key to weight gain management is to focus on a well-rounded diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, including daily exercise. Weight training can help maintain muscle mass, while aerobically-based exercises such as walking or swimming will help improve heart health and weight management.

5.     Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort

Menopause is a condition wherein oestrogen levels are lowered, which may bring about vaginal dryness. The feeling of dryness in the vagina can create itching and irritation that may possibly make sexual relations extremely painful. The tissues of the vagina thicken, becoming less elastic and producing less of its natural lubricating element. Vaginal dryness can make intercourse painful and perhaps increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

Several treatments exist for this symptom, including OTC lubricants and moisturisers. If it does not wear off, you may seek relief by consulting for Empower RF treatment in Bradford.

6.     Mood Swings & Psychological Symptoms

The hormonal fluctuations during menopause not only pose physical symptoms but also disturb psychology. You may feel anxiety, depression or irritability. All of these may be due to the physical changes you go through during this transition. Hot flashes or night sweats cause sleep disturbances–another reason for irritability.

Practise yoga and other mindfulness techniques like deep breathing exercises to manage these unpleasant feelings. And if you feel like everything is overwhelming, seek help from your friends, family and healthcare professionals.

7.     Bone Loss in Later Age

Associated with the decline in oestrogen that occurs during menopause is the loss of bone density, thereby increasing the risk for osteoporosis. This makes bones more fragile and most vulnerable to breakage. Both calcium and vitamin D are required to maintain healthy bones, and weight-bearing exercises like walking or lightweight training have been shown to strengthen bones.

Bottomline

Menopause is considered one of the most significant transitions women go through in life, filled with challenges and new experiences. Physical signs to look out for are menopause and breast tenderness, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness. Understanding these changes may help you manage them. Remember, when the symptoms are severe, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, as there are treatments and changes in lifestyle that one can do to lighten this transition and have you face this new stage in life with confidence.

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