Every woman undergoes menopause with time, but many misconceptions surround this natural part of growing. Many people end up being confused about when it begins and what to expect. One thing that has been proven over time is that the experience is unique to every woman. Suppose you suspect you are approaching this stage of your life. In that case, Dr. Peter A Khamvongsa of The Miami Institute of Urogynecology and Minimal Invasive Surgery can help you know what you can expect and how to cope up with it. Additionally, here are some of the changes you may notice.
You Start Experiencing Irregular Periods
Several factors can contribute to irregular periods. If you are at the age of 45 or above, this can be the first sign of menopause. You may also notice irregularities in your monthly menstrual cycle, such as;
- Periods become less or more frequent
- Last a shorter or longer amount of time
- Flow may increase or decrease
When you enter the perimenopause phase, it becomes hard to predict when or if your next period will come. For this reason, it is good to seek expert care from your gynecologist to diagnose your condition and advise you accordingly.
You Begin Experiencing Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
When you start feeling hot or warm suddenly for no apparent reason, it can be a sign of menopause. This includes your skin flushing red, your heart beating fast, and then you feel suddenly cold. When hot flashes happen at night, they are said to be night sweats. These symptoms can be mild or severe and can occur often over several weeks. Night sweats can be so intense that they wake you up at night. However, these symptoms, like other menopause signs, vary from one person to another.
Sleeping Complications
There are lots of reasons for having trouble sleeping or waking up at night. But if you do not have particular reasons and are approaching your 50s, it might be because of menopause. Sometimes this can be caused by other menopause symptoms such as night sweats, as mentioned earlier. If you have sleep problems and don’t know why, please contact your gynecologist for help.
You Often Become Moody
Menopause comes with several changes in your body and causes some hormonal changes. This is among the many things that can affect your mood. You may experience anxiety and depression more often. Also, if you had these mood disorders in the past, your symptoms may worsen if you are approaching menopause. Therefore, it is good to tell your doctor about your mood changes.
You Experience Forgetfulness
It is natural to experience some minor memory lapses in your middle age. You might experience challenges thinking of a word, locating your car key, and remembering simple tasks. This can also stem from menopause and other symptoms such as stress. If you get worried about your forgetful behavior, please let your doctor know.
You Feel Different About Sex
Your sexual experience may change when you are approaching menopause. You may feel less interested in sex or experience troubles getting aroused. Some women experience the opposite and enjoy sex more than before when hitting menopause. The experience varies from one woman to another. But generally, the skin around your vagina can become drier, making sex painful. Please talk to your provider about any sexual changes you experience.
Learn if you are approaching menopause by reaching out to Dr. Khamvongsa at The Miami Institute of Urogynecology and Minimally Invasive Surgery. The double-boarded OB/GYN will help you understand the changes you are experiencing and help you manage them.