Are you experiencing changes in your body and are beginning to wonder, am I in menopause? Menopause is a normal stage of aging, but it can cause concern for some that are experiencing certain alarming changes or discomfort.
To learn more about some of the first signs of menopause that you may notice, keep reading. Make sure you are prepared for this stage in life by learning more about the symptoms you may experience.
Am I In Menopause? The Basics Explained
Menopause occurs when one has not gotten their period in twelve months or more for a reason other than being pregnant or ill. As we stated, this is a normal part of aging, as female sex hormones begin to naturally go down as we age. The ovaries will eventually stop releasing eggs so that you can no longer get pregnant or have periods.
Most women begin going through menopause in their 40s or 50s, however, this is not always the case. Before you are in menopause, you may experience changes in your body for months or even years. These changes could be hot flashes or irregular periods.
This early stage is called premenopause, and you can’t be sure when menopause will hit. Instead, at this stage, it’s best to just notice the changes occurring in your body. Symptoms can vary from woman to woman, so noting your symptoms can help you get the assistance you need to prepare and go through menopause.
You want to find the best gynecologist to help you address these changes and symptoms in a healthy way.
Changes and Symptoms You May Notice
As we said, menopausal symptoms can vary case by case. However, there are some common signs of menopause you may want to look out for. Additionally, while these symptoms are quite common, some experience no symptoms at all.
Irregular periods are a key indicator that you may be heading into the menopausal stage of your life. Some may have lighter or heavier periods, may have their period less often, or notice that they have shorter or longer cycles than they are used to. When your body is preparing for menopause it can be difficult to know how often you will get your period, how long you will have it for, or how heavy your flow will be.
Hot flashes and night sweats are other key indicators of the approach to menopause. Hot flashes occur when you feel hot or warm for no apparent reason and at random. You may notice that your heartbeat accelerates and that you become flushed and then cold and clammy.
Night sweats are hot flashes that occur while you sleep, and they may be so severe and uncomfortable that they wake you from your sleep, reducing the quality of your sleep.
The First Signs of Menopause: What to Know
If you are wondering, am I in menopause? make sure to keep these key signs in mind.
Head to the “Health and Fitness” section of our site for more.
