Signs and Symptoms of Menopause: Hot flashes, Night Sweat, Vaginal Dryness

Menopause is associated with many signs and symptoms. The primary sign that a woman has reached menopause is the cessation of periods for 12 consecutive months. In addition, the ovaries have stopped producing eggs and estrogen and that can lead to other characteristic symptoms. Estrogen is a key component in blood vessels, bone health, skin and in the brain. The loss of estrogen is linked other signs and symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, osteoporosis, and painful intercourse. Other hormones such as testosterone are also impacted by menopause. For example, the loss of testosterone produced in the ovaries may lead to reduced libido and that can impact a woman’s intimate relations.

The period leading up to menopause, perimenopause is characterized by the gradual loss of estrogen. During this stage a woman may experience signs and symptoms of menopause like irregularities in menstruation including an increase or decrease in frequency of periods and they may have heavier or lighter flows. She may also begin to notices changes in her vagina such as dryness. Vaginal changes can also lead to itching and pain or discomfort during sex. Further, there may be an increase in incidences of vaginal infections. In addition to changes in the vagina, the urethra also undergoes many changes. A menopausal woman may be susceptible to urinary tract infections and may also experience urinary incontinence.

Other signs and symptoms of menopause include troubled sleep patterns and changes in weight. Many menopausal women experience sleep depravation that may be related to night sweats. Menopausal women may also be impacted by this in other ways as well. Lack of sleep may contribute to reduced cognitive functioning and mood swings. Another common sign and symptom of menopause is weight gain. Further, the distribution of fat may shift as well with more fat accumulated around the waist.

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