Am I Close To Menopause?

Menopause is the time in life when a woman’s reproductive capacity ends. There are often many mixed emotions surrounding the thought of menopause. Some women are ready to get through it so that they no longer have to experience a monthly period, while others are saddened by the thought of no longer being able to have children. Wherever you fall on the emotional scale, one of the most common questions a gynecologist receives in women over the age of 40 is, “Am I close to menopause?”

Menopause symptoms can happen any time between the ages of 40 to 65. Here are the most common changes to be aware of:

Change in your period. Irregular periods are the most tell-tell sign of closing in on menopause. Perimenopause, meaning “around menopause,” is the term used to define the months or years leading up to menopause. If your periods are shorter, longer, heavier, lighter, or missed, you are probably starting the first stages of menopause.

Hot flashes. Women in their 40s and 50s are notorious for complaining about hot flashes. A hot flash is a sudden feeling of heat in the body where the neck, face, and chest become hot. Heavy sweating can occur, followed by cold shivering. Many women are awoken at night from hot flashes. Most hot flashes last between 30 seconds to 10 minutes.

Sleep disruption. Having a difficult time sleeping is common during perimenopause. Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, waking up too early, and night sweats can interrupt your sleep.

Vaginal dryness. With the changes in hormonal levels as you age, the vagina gets drier. This dryness can cause sex to be uncomfortable. You can use a safe lubricant to prevent discomfort during sex.

Mood changes. Many women feel moodier and more irritable around the time of menopause. Hormonal changes, and dealing with aging, can contribute to mood swings.

Body changes. Many women notice that they struggle with weight gain as they reach menopause. Other body changes include memory problems, stiff joints and muscles, and thinning skin. Of course, these changes are also associated with aging, but because they typically occur around menopause, many women consider them to be symptoms.

At Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A., we are here to offer compassionate care during every stage of a woman’s life. Contact us today to learn more about menopause and how we can help you during this time.