10 symptoms of menopause all women should be avare of

London-based GP Deyo Famuboni describes the 10 perimenopause symptoms to watch for:

IRREGULAR PERIODS

The hormone changes affect your ovaries releasing an egg and this in turn can make your period longer or shorter or absent for a couple of months. 

These could be signs of early and late perimenopause respectively. 

No periods for three months or more as well as very heavy periods, particularly if associated with feelings of tiredness or breathlessness warrant a review by your doctor, especially if you are under 40 years old.

HOT FLUSHES

Suddenly going hot and sweaty? 

This is common in perimenopause and can vary in duration and intensity throughout the day and at night – this often contributes to insomnia and sleep disturbances. 

This occurs as a result of the hormonal fluctuations and can be different for every woman. 

It can last anything between two years to 15 years.

Wearing breathable clothing such as cotton and staying hydrated can help in alleviating symptoms. 

Avoiding other causes of hot flushes including being overweight, alcohol, excess caffeine, spicy foods, monosodium glutamate (a seasoning common in processed foods) and some medications can also help in alleviating symptoms.

MOOD SWINGS

This can happen frequently with mood swings, as well as feeling irritable, short tempered or anxious. 

A change from your usual temperament can be a sign of the perimenopause as your hormones spike and sag. 

A lack of good quality sleep can also contribute to this. 

Regular exercise and a healthy diet to ensure your blood sugar levels remain stable can help.

VAGINAL DRYNESS

The hormone changes mean the vaginal wall decreases the amount of fluid it produces and also its elasticity. 

Some women can find it generally uncomfortable, others only notice it only during intercourse. 

Also, the length of time it takes to get aroused increases with age. 

Using vaginal lubricants can alleviate this.

URINE INFECTIONS

In general, women are prone to urine infection because of our anatomy. 

This can happen for the first time during the perimenopause or increase in frequency. 

You might notice urine frequency and pain. This warrants a review from a healthcare professional. 

A decreased ability to hold urine can also happen. This is because the elasticity and tone decreases. 

Ways of preventing this includes passing urine after intercourse, using lubricants and doing regular pelvic floor exercises.

LOSS OF LIBIDO

There are various causes for this and the mood changes, lack of sleep and decreased arousal time can certainly contribute. 

However many women have no problems with this.

PROBLEMS CONCEIVING

Ovulation decreases and this leads to fertility problems. 

It can take up to one year to fall pregnant naturally, however if you are in your very late 30s or early forties and have trouble conceiving, it is worth seeking medical advice sooner. 

Using contraception until 12 months after your last period is advisable if you do do not want to fall pregnant.

GENERAL ACHES AND PAINS

As oestrogen decreases, the body cannot replace bone as efficiently. 

The ligaments and cartilages are also affected. 

Research also suggests that the hormone changes are associated with the development of osteoarthritis. 

Aches and pains can also be a sign that your bones are getting thin due to osteoporosis. 

Getting adequate calcium and vitamin D and exercising to strengthen the bones and muscles can help to prevent this. 

Several studies have looked at the use of glucosamine for pains and though individual women have reported improvement in their symptoms, evidence for its use is limited.

WEIGHT CHANGES

There are several contributory factors for this. 

This includes the metabolism and our ability to build muscle slowing down as well as higher levels of stress due to lack of sleep and worry about other signs mentioned above. 

Stress can increase weight as elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol can lead to weight gain around the middle. 

Improving the underlying cause is therefore needed. 

Regular exercise and a healthy diet, with particular attention to your nutrient to calorie ratio can help negate weight gain. 

This is because you use up less calories as you get older. 

A sudden increase in weight warrants a visit to your doctor.

CHEST PAIN

As oestrogen levels drop, the cholesterol and sugar level in the body increases. The heart and vessels also become more stiff. 

This puts you at risk of heart disease as it contributes to clogging up the blood vessels. 

Left-sided chest discomfort, especially on exertion requires urgent medical attention.

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