Menopause is an inevitable effect of aging on the female reproductive system. The Mayo Clinic defines menopause as occurring 12 months after a woman's final menstrual period. Menopause results from a decline in the ovaries' sensitivity to hormone stimulation, and typically occurs in women in their mid 40s to late 50s. At that time, the ovaries become less active, leading to a dramatically decreased level of circulating estrogen in the blood.
Hot flashes
Hot flashes are the most frequent symptom of menopause, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Menopausal estrogen deficiency causes fluctuations in the dilation of blood vessels near the skin's surface. When the small blood vessels, also known as capillaries, dilate, the skin becomes flushed from the increased blood flow. With the increase in blood flow, the woman also feels a sensation of warmth.
Insomnia
Insomnia is defined as an inability to fall asleep or difficulty staying asleep, and is a common symptom in women experiencing menopausal estrogen deficiency. Many women experiencing symptoms of menopause have difficulty falling asleep. Hot flashes can be especially disruptive to a woman's sleep cycle, according to the Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Internal Medicine. Women can decrease their risk of insomnia from menopausal estrogen deficiency by keeping a regular sleep and exercise schedule.
Bloating
The decrease in estrogen production during menopause frequently causes bloating. The low estrogen levels are associated with decreased metabolism, which not only produces a sensation of bloating, but also actual weight gain. During menopause, many women gain abdominal fat, according to the Mayo Clinic. Many also experience mood changes which lead to decreased exercise, further increasing the likelihood of weight gain.
Irregular menses
According to the Cleveland Clinic, irregular menses can be an early sign of menopausal estrogen deficiency. As a woman's ovaries become less responsive to the body's hormones, her monthly cycles become less regular. The menstrual cycles become less and less frequent until a point when they cease.
Mood changes
As estrogen levels drop, hormonal and menstrual cycles lose their consistency. During that period of transition, women tend to experience mood changes, according to the Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Internal Medicine. Although usually of mild severity, the decreased moods can sometimes lead to clinical depression.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Menopause
- Cleveland Clinic: Menopause
- "Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Internal Medicine"; Marc Sabatine; 2004
