Menopause Early Symptoms

Menopause early symptoms are many. Keep in mind that this article serves to inform the reader of the symptoms associated with menopause, and not with what causes early menopause. Early menopause occurs earlier than the expected average age of menopause which is between 45 and 55. The symptoms for early menopause however, are the same as for menopose. Before we embark on the symptoms that indicate you’ve entered this phase in your life, let’s just quickly define what menopause is, and what causes it.

Manopause occurs when hormone production (estrogen and progesterone) by the ovaries drops to a level where menstrual cycles no longer continue. In men, the loss of the male hormone testosterone, causes male menopause, also known as andropause.

Once you’ve had absence of your menstrual cycle for 12 months, it signals the end of your fertility period and the beginning of menopause, also known as postmenopause. The average age of menopause is 51. Some women get menopause as late as age 60, although this is rare.

Menopause is preceded by a transitional period known as perimenopause (pre menopause). It is also during this time that the worst of the menopause symptoms are experienced. So, how long does menopause last? On average perimenopause lasts for about four years; some women however have experienced the symptoms for as long as ten years, others for several months only. Also called the menopausal transition, it occurs when the body moves from the regular menstrual cycle of about 28 days to irregular cycles which are lighter, shorter, heavier, longer, and also missed period. To avoid an unwanted pregnancy, it is recommended you use contraceptives until such time that you are officially menopausal, which occurs when you have missed your period for 12 months. This event then also marks the end of perimenopause and signals in the start of post menopause. This new life can potentially be very rewarding; our attitude will determine how well we handle menopause.

OK, so let’s move on to the actual symptoms experienced by most that signify we have reached this period in our life. Fluctuation in your periods is probably the most significant symptom of perimenopause. Other symptoms experienced in varying degrees by women during both perimenopause include:

Hot flushes: a sudden brief flushing and sensation of heat caused by dilation of skin capillaries usually associated with menopausal endocrine imbalance

Sleep disorders like insomnia: A persistent and prolonged inability to sleep.

Vaginal dryness: less estrogen is produced by the ovaries, leading to thinning and drying of the vaginal wall

Weight gain: associated with menopause typically involves increased amounts of fat around the mid-section due to slower metabolism as a result of lower hormone levels.

Decreased sex drive: during menopause the most common reason is hormone imbalance

Fatigue: fluctuation in the levels of estrogen and progesterone which control the body’s energy levels. Other hormones involved in producing energy include thyroid and adrenal hormones.

Formication: abnormal skin condition where a tingling sensation is experienced

Depression: A mental state common to menopause. Potentially serious symptom if not treated.

Hot flashes: the most common symptom experienced by up to 85% of menopausal women. It can last from 6 months to fifteen years. Caused by a hormone imbalance.

Forgetfulness: hormone imbalance is the main cause; could however also be the compounding effect of other menopausal symptoms

Joint aches: are experienced by both sexes in their later years of life. Related to menopause however, pain, swelling, stiffness and warmth are experienced in the joints.

The above is not an exhausted list of symptoms. Only those most commonly experienced by women have been listed.

Hormone replacement therapy (hrt) is regarded as being the most successful menopause treatment to give relief to menopause early symptoms. Many however prefer alternative medicine and methods to get relief from the menopausal symptoms.

Menopause Early Symptoms

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