Home - health - 14 Early Signs Of Menopause
14 Early Signs of Menopause

14 Early Signs of Menopause

Women have to go through a transformative phase known as menopause. This is when the body undergoes significant changes due to fluctuations in reproductive hormones, marking the end of fertility. While menopause is a natural and inevitable change, the early signs can vary from one person to another. Recognizing the subtle signs can help one prepare themselves to navigate this phase with ease and get the support and care they need.

Irregular periods
One of the earliest signs of menopause is the sudden onset of irregular periods. In the early stages of menopause, one can observe that their periods are either becoming increasingly irregular or light. The length of the cycles may also be affected and can get shorter or longer. In some women, the gap between two consecutive periods might be as long as a couple of months. The changes in the production of hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, are responsible for irregular periods.

Hot flashes and night sweats
Another common symptom of menopause is the onset of hot flashes and night sweats. The symptoms are characterized as a sudden sensation of intense heat, often accompanied by signs like flushing of the face, rapid heartbeat, and sweating. Night sweats can be considered a type of hot flash that usually occurs when sleeping. These symptoms can disrupt sleep and lead to increased irritability and fatigue. Hot flashes and night sweats are triggered by hormonal changes and can vary in frequency and intensity.

Difficulty sleeping
Many going through menopause experience disrupted sleep due to hormonal fluctuations. One may find it difficult to fall asleep or may frequently wake up during the night or early morning. This leads to sleep deprivation, inconsistent sleep schedule, poor quality of sleep, and daytime fatigue. Creating a calming bedtime routine, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and creating a sleep-friendly environment can help improve sleep quality.

Vaginal dryness
Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy body and mind. Changes in the level of estrogen in the body can cause itching and dryness in the vagina, leading to discomfort during sexual activity. Decreased estrogen levels in the body also cause changes in the thickness of vaginal tissue. It can further cause pain during intercourse. Using water-based lubricants and moisturizers while engaging in sexual activity can help alleviate symptoms and maintain sexual function.

Changes in skin and hair
Menopause can have noticeable effects on the skin and hair. The decreased estrogen levels in the body lead to dry skin, wrinkles, and reduced skin elasticity. One may also experience acne breakouts and increased skin sensitivity. Dry, thinning, and brittle hair is also a common early sign of menopause. Maintaining a healthy skincare routine, protecting the skin from sun damage, and using gentle hair care products can help minimize the intensity of symptoms.

Mood swings and irritability
The mood is greatly influenced by hormonal fluctuations, which can cause increased emotional sensitivity and irritability. Mood swings can be attributed to the change in levels of estrogen and progesterone. To get a better handle on these changes, one should take up breathing exercises and mindfulness. Seeking emotional and mental health support can also help one deal with the changes.

Anxiety and depression
Menopause brings with it an increased risk of developing depression or anxiety disorders. Some may find it difficult to cope with all the changes in this phase. One might feel overwhelmed by changes in self-perception, the effects of aging, and personal circumstances. Here, one should seek professional help or emotional support from family and friends when feeling anxious. Maintaining social connections, engaging in regular physical activity, and practicing relaxation techniques to relieve stress can also help.

Cognitive changes
Menopause fog is used to refer to cognitive changes some women face in the menopausal stage. For some, this might continue even after menopause. Here, early signs of menopause include difficulty concentrating and increased forgetfulness. Hormonal fluctuations, sleep disturbances, and stress can all contribute to these cognitive changes. It is important to engage in mentally stimulating activities to slow down the progression of this symptom. It is equally essential to follow a balanced meal plan and a consistent sleep schedule.

Fatigue
The disturbance in sleep, fluctuation in hormonal levels, and the overall impact of menopause on their physical and mental well-being can lead to a decline in energy levels. This contributes to one feeling constantly exhausted even after taking up non-strenuous tasks. Regular exercise, balanced meals, adequate sleep, and stress management can help one improve energy levels and combat fatigue.

Changes in libido
Fluctuating hormone levels during menopause can affect the sex drive. Some women may experience a decrease in libido or changes in sexual desire due to hormonal imbalance, vaginal dryness, or emotional factors. Open communication with a partner and exploring new ways of intimacy can help one address such concerns.

Problems with urination
Some women dealing with menopause may experience increased frequency of urination, urgency, and occasional leakage. These changes are often caused by the thinning of urethral tissues and the weakening of pelvic floor muscles due to hormonal changes. Practicing pelvic floor exercises (Kegels), maintaining healthy fluid intake, and seeking professional advice for persistent symptoms can help one manage urinary concerns.

Joint and muscle discomfort
One may experience joint and muscle discomfort during menopause, as estrogen plays a key role in maintaining bone and joint health. Changes in its production can lead to increased joint stiffness and susceptibility to osteoarthritis and aches. Taking up regular exercise and joint-friendly activities like yoga or swimming can alleviate discomfort and improve joint health.

Digestive issues
Menopause can bring about changes in digestion, making one experience bloating, indigestion, and changes in bowel movements. Hormonal fluctuations and decreased estrogen levels can also affect metabolism. Choosing balanced meals, having fiber-rich foods, staying hydrated, and managing stress can help promote healthy digestion.

Headaches
Some may experience an increase in headaches or migraines due to hormonal fluctuations when dealing with menopause. Here, one should practice relaxation techniques, manage stress, identify and avoid triggers, and seek medical assistance advice for severe headaches.

Latest Articles

Eczema – 3 methods to manage its symptoms
health

Eczema – 3 methods to manage its symptoms

Eczema has many different stages and types. Unfortunately, about 10.1 percent of people in the country have some or the other form of this condition. Such a disease is a combination of conditions that make the skin irritated or inflamed. With proper treatment, one can manage symptoms. Red, dry, cracked, and leathery skin are the common eczema signs. Here are three useful methods that help deal with eczema and manage its symptoms: Getting the right treatment options Here are some treatments associated with eczema. Dupixent Dupixent is prescribed for children six or older and adults; for those who cannot control symptoms with other treatment measures, alternate treatments are not recommended. This monoclonal antibody works on a targeted area in the immune system. Dupixent comes in pre-filled single-dose pens and syringes, given as a subcutaneous injection. One can find this treatment option in two strengths: 300-mg/2-mL and 200 mg/1.14-mL solutions. Cibinqo This once-daily oral treatment helps manage symptoms for adults who have not seen relief with prevailing treatment options. Cibinqo is an FDA-approved treatment for adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Doses that can be taken are either 100 or 200 mg. Alternately, a 50 mg dosage is for patients with moderate renal impairment. Upadacitinib and Eucrisa Upadacitinib is a JAK1 inhibitor and helps adolescents and adults with severe or moderate eczema. However, this FDA-approved treatment can cause side effects like fever, cough, nausea, and upper respiratory tract infections. Typically, one starts with 15 mg, but the doctor may advise a 30 mg dose if that does not work. Eucrisa is also a treatment option for eczema. It is for skin-only treatment, so do not get it in contact with sensitive areas and rinse with water in case of contact. Foods to eat and avoid Eczema needs to be managed with a disciplined nutritional regime.
5 mistakes to avoid before bed for better sleep
health

5 mistakes to avoid before bed for better sleep

Have you ever woken up feeling tired and lethargic despite sleeping for seven to eight hours at night? It could be due to poor sleep quality. Disturbed sleep influences the rest of your day: how you think, your performance at work, and other tasks. The causes of poor sleep are many, including a faulty mattress, distractions in your room, or a heavy dinner. Avoiding the following mistakes before bed can help you sleep better: Staring at a screen Using gadgets close to bedtime is probably the most common mistake in the digital age. The blue light emitted from screens affects the production of a specific hormone responsible for inducing sleep and regulating the circadian rhythm. Apart from the blue light emission, the television or mobile phone sound can be a distraction that keeps you awake. High noise levels create lots of mental stimulation and disturbance, preventing the brain from shutting down. Hence, it is advisable to avoid using phones, televisions, and laptops for at least an hour before bed. Exercising Exercise is among the best solutions for good health, but you must do it at the right time. Physical activity late in the evening or at night hampers sleep patterns by increasing stress and raising body temperature. The only exercise recommended before bedtime is light stretching and simple yoga. These help relieve muscle tension and relax the body and mind, preparing them to drift asleep. You can perform intense exercises in the morning or earlier in the evening. If you have some spare time before sleeping, use it for sitting down and reflecting on the happenings of the day instead of exercising. It will help you fall asleep faster. Making poor food choices A meal with lots of refined carbs and sugar is unsuitable for dinner as it can keep you awake at night.
Migraine – Ways to manage the condition
health

Migraine – Ways to manage the condition

Migraine headaches are a devitalizing experience. It completely saps the person of energy and prevents them from being productive during these episodes. There is usually a build-up to a migraine attack which is different for every individual. The phase before the actual migraine attack is known as the aura, and people may report seeing flashes of light or experiencing a tingling sensation. Below are some options for treating migraine headaches: Treatment options Nurtec Nurtec is a treatment option that helps relieve some symptoms of migraines. It reduces the severity of headaches and sensitivity to light. Nurtec is usually taken on alternate days to prevent migraines and other pain associated with the condition. Ubrelvy Ubrelvy, a fast pain-relief, is a treatment option that blocks calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the body. CGRP is associated with migraine attacks, and suppressing it goes a long way in treating the condition. Excedrin This pain reliever does not just treat migraine headaches but also pain in other parts of the body. Excedrin provides fast pain relief to the patient. Qulipta Qulipta is a treatment option that helps prevent migraines over a more extended period. However, medical professionals do not recommend this treatment option to people suffering from kidney or liver problems. Qulipta works by blocking the CGRP protein. Foods to help manage migraine headaches Certain foods are part of the preventive treatment for migraines. While a preventative treatment may not completely stop migraine headaches, it will help reduce the severity and occurrence of these attacks. Bananas Bananas are rich in magnesium. According to some studies, magnesium is deficient in migraine sufferers, and the mineral stops the chemicals that cause pain. Watermelons Watermelons contain around 92% water, and it is a great way to stay hydrated. Dehydration often triggers headaches in general, which could lead to migraine attacks.