Menopause is the period of time that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. This occurs when the sex hormone estrogen declines enough that menstruation can no longer occur. Symptoms that a woman may experience in this time are hot flashes, mood swings and insomnia. However, there are other health conditions that can cause these symptoms as well.
Mood Swings
Mood swings are abrupt changes in a person's moods. People with mood swings can go from happy to angry within the same moment. This is one well-known symptom of menopause and is caused by the decline of hormones levels in the brain and reproductive organs. Mood swings can also be a sign of bipolar disorder. According to MedlinePlus, bipolar disorder normally appears between the ages of 15 and 25, although it can occur at any age. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are, but are not limited to agitation or irritation, elevated mood, little need for sleep, delusions of grandeur, poor temper control, reckless behavior, eating disturbances, loss of self esteem, persistent thoughts of death and withdrawal from friends. Other conditions that have mood swing as a symptom are premenstrual syndrome--PMS, depression and certain anxiety disorders.
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are described as a sudden feeling of heat or warmth that spreads over the body. Additional symptoms of hot flashes are a feeling of pressure in the head, rapid heartbeat, perspiration, weakness, fatigue and a flushed appearance. Hot flashes are normally equated with the declining level of estrogen in menopause, however, Healthline states that hot flashes are also experienced with premenstrual syndrome--PMS, dysfunctional uterine bleeding--DUB and panic disorder. Hot flashes are also experienced by women who are in menopause transition--perimenopause. Perimenopause occurs two to eight years before menopause, and is triggered by declining levels of estrogen. This is the only stage of menopause that a woman will have a menstrual cycle.
Insomnia
Insomnia is the trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Symptoms of insomnia are waking up several times a night, waking up feeling groggy and trouble falling asleep at night. Insomnia is separated into two categories; primary and secondary. Primary insomnia is mainly caused by alcohol, coffee, anxiety and stress. Secondary insomnia is most commonly seen in depression according to MedlinePlus.
