MidLife
Signs and symptoms of natural menopause
As a woman’s body prepares for menopause, there is a gradual change in her menstrual cycles over several years. This is called peri-menopause and it means “around the time” of menopause. Menstrual cycles may become longer, with occasional missed periods, and fewer days of flow or lighter flow. Women often experience flushing spells or hot flashes during this period. The degree to which these flashes make a woman uncomfortable is unique to the individual. Some women have intense experiences, while others have minimal physical discomfort.
Other signs and symptoms of natural menopause include: vaginal dryness, night sweats, thinning bones, decreases in the level of heart-protecting high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and rises in the level of harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
Along with hot flashes, there may be some sleep disturbances. Changes in sleep patterns can be very disconcerting and challenging to one’s emotional health. When sleep is significantly interrupted, women may experience increased “blues” or anxious feelings. Similar to adolescence, pregnancy and the postpartum period when the body is adapting to changing levels of hormones, it affects our emotions. Emotions are an expression of how we are experiencing the environment – changes in our hormones, change how we feel. This stage of life, like all the others, has its challenges and opportunities. For many women, mid-life is the first time they’re able to focus attention on their health, career, hobbies, home, recreation and romance. While there is great reward, mid-life may also be the time when you are caring for elderly parents and family members or when your children are leaving home. These are new stresses and new experiences and you need to prepare yourself.
