Tell-all Signs of Menopause
Are there definitive signals that menopause is preparing to come roaring into your life? Knowing the symptoms of menopause and educating yourself about the entire process can be the best gift you can give yourself. Preparing for menopause is not only a physical process, but an emotional process as well. By learning your options ahead of time you are preparing yourself for the inevitable and will be better prepared to cope with the curve balls that lie ahead.
Menopause is what happens when you haven’t had a menstrual cycle for at least a 12-month period of time. A significant drop in estrogen and progesterone hallmarks this condition and it is often accompanied by the lovely symptoms of mood swings, hot flashes, and palpitations. These symptoms can last anywhere from a few months to a year or longer. Each case is different and the severity of the symptoms varies greatly from woman to woman. Additionally, symptoms will appear for different women at different times during the process. Much like childbirth, no two menopausal situations are identical either.
Some of the more dreaded symptoms include changes in menstrual cycles. This is generally the first telltale sign that menopause is coming. For some it includes irregularity, for others it involves lighter flows, fewer days, and in some, the flow simply stops. The plus size for those still experiencing their cycles is that cramps tend to be much milder and flows much lighter. There should be a period of less severe menstrual cycles followed by the absolute end of your monthly cycle. It is generally not considered official until you’ve gone at least 12 months without a period however so be sure to use birth control until that time.
The most dreaded symptom of menopause would have to be hot flashed. We’ve all grown up hearing the horror stories and know that there must be some degree of truth to them or they wouldn’t be so wide spread. Hot flashes occur as your body tries to adjust to the loss of the two hormones estrogen and progesterone and strike some balance within. The severity can range from a mild flush to the severe night sweats that are known to wake you up at night. These typically last anywhere from 30 second to 5 minutes and can seem like an eternity. For most women this is the most difficult symptom to deal with and an undeniable indicator that you are entering the joys of menopause. For more information on menopause check out www.MenopauseTime.com.