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All women will, at a certain age, experience menopause. It’s a natural part of aging.1 For some women, the transition will be easy, while others can experience difficult symptoms that impact their personal, social, and work life.
As the body produces less estrogen, the vaginal tissues become thinner and drier, which can lead to painful and uncomfortable sex, vaginitis, cystitis, and urinary tract infections.
Sudden warm surges throughout the body at different times of the day or night can occur for years, and for some women, they can be so intense, that they cause the heart to race. Some women also experience chills and night sweats.
Low estrogen can cause the urethral and vaginal tissues to thin, and pelvic floor muscles can relax as a woman ages. This can result in a pressing need to pee more often.
Night-time hot flashes and racing heart can interrupt sleep and make it difficult to get the good, quality sleep you need.
Irritability, mood swings, and mild depression can be experienced because of sleep disturbances and hormonal changes. Some women find it more difficult to concentrate.
Some women can experience a racing heart, headaches, joint and muscle pains, changes in sex drive, slow metabolism, weight gain, dry skin, loss of breast fullness, and hair loss or thinness.
While the physical experiences of menopause are natural, talk to your doctor if they have a negative effect on your quality of life. And make sure you continue to have your annual gynae, bone and breast screenings.
