Menopause is a normal part of aging in women, a time when menstrual periods stop permanently and pregnancy is no longer possible. A woman will know she has reached menopause after missing her periods for a full twelve months in the absence of any other medical conditions that can cause missed periods, such as pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, menopause often happens between the ages of 45 and 55.
Menopause occurs gradually, and the experience differs widely in women. Some may have little or no symptoms, while others may have a variety of them.
Menstrual Cycle Changes
The National Institute on Aging reports that changes in the menstrual cycle are often the first thing noticed by women undergoing menopause. A menstrual period may last shorter or longer, flow may become lighter or heavier, or periods may occur farther apart or closer together. Spotting may also occur.
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are the most common symptom of menopause, experienced by up to 75 percent of women, according to the National Institute on Aging. A hot flash usually begins as a sudden feeling of warmth on the upper body and face that rapidly spreads to the rest of the body. This lasts for a few minutes, often accompanied by redness of the skin and heavy sweating, followed by chills and shivering. Palpitations and anxiety may occasionally occur.
The frequency of hot flashes varies. They can occur several times a day, or only a few times in a week. They also happen often at night, occurring as night sweats that can lead to problems with sleeping. Hot flashes may spontaneously disappear within a few years, although some women report experiencing them until their seventies.
Physical Changes
Hormonal changes during menopause can cause thinning of the skin in and around the vagina. The vagina may also become drier and more prone to tearing, leading to pain during sexual intercourse and a higher risk of vaginal infections.
Aside from thinning of the skin, menopause can cause thinning and weakening of the bones, a condition called osteoporosis. This may lead to loss of height and increased risk of bone breaks or fractures.
Women may also notice changes in their body shape. Weight gain and thickening of the waist are two common symptoms associated with menopause.
Emotional Changes
Many women experience emotional symptoms during menopause. These include mood swings, sadness, tearfulness and irritability. Although hormonal changes can play a role, emotional symptoms may result from other events that often occur in a woman's life around the time of menopause. Examples include declining physical condition and mid-life stressors, such children leaving home and career adjustments.
Other Symptoms
Bladder problems and urinary tract infections occur more commonly during and after menopause. Other symptoms associated with menopause include memory loss and concentration problems, headache, hair loss or thinning, sleeping difficulties and fatigue.
