Menopause is not an abrupt process that occurs overnight; it can take up to 10 years and be accompanied by various climacteric symptoms. These symptoms occur during the menopausal transition.
The menopause usually occurs around the age of fifty, with periods already becoming irregular prior to menopause due to reduced hormone production in the ovaries. Although the menopause is not a disease, women often experience significant symptoms during this natural phase of life.
Symptoms during menopause can be divided into two categories: physical and mental symptoms.
Physical complaints during menopause
The onset of menopause is often characterized by irregular menstruation. Blood loss can vary from light to very heavy. Other common physical symptoms include fatigue, hot flashes, and excessive sweating, often accompanied by sudden heat and perspiration. Stress, alcohol consumption, or spontaneous causes can trigger hot flashes.
Other physical symptoms during menopause may include:
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Painful breasts
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloated feeling
A few years after the last menstruation, new symptoms may appear, such as vaginal dryness due to reduced hormone production, which can cause pain during intercourse (dyspareunia). Other related symptoms include bladder infections and vaginal discharge. Women also sometimes experience a feeling of pressure in the vagina due to changes in vaginal structure.
Reduced estrogen production can cause muscles to weaken, leading to urinary incontinence or prolapse of organs such as the bladder or rectum.
Mental health issues during menopause
In addition to physical symptoms, menopause can also cause mental symptoms, such as fatigue, mood swings, listlessness, and depressive feelings. Other possible mental symptoms include nervousness, panic attacks, irritability, and forgetfulness.
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