1. Time Will Tell
That last phase of women's growth begins at a different time for everyone. Menopause officially begins one year after you're last menstrual cycle, typically when you reach your 50s. However, the symptoms could start as early as age 40. The time from when you first start noticing changes in your cycles, to the end of that dry year, is called perimenopause. During that time, you will get a glimpse of the full-blown menopausal symptoms that await.
2. Skip a Beat
Freedom from monthly menstrual cramps and bleeding is jarring at first. Many women find enormous relief from this physical ritual. The end of menstruation is also accompanied sometimes by other physical changes that aren't so comfortable. You may find your breasts are more tender and begin to sag. The vagina tends to be dry as fat begins to gather around the abdomen. You'll find the hair on your head thinning, while it pops up in places on your body that had never grown hair in the past.
3. It's Hot in Here
Wildly recognized among peri and menopausal women are the hot flashes and night sweats. A soaring heat begins in your feet and rises quickly to the top of your head. The body produces buckets of sweat to cool your inner heat. This sweat pops out on your face for the entire world to see. During the night, hot spurts will wake you up. Many women go to bed cold, only to wake up with the blankets thrown on the floor, the windows wide open and their mate as far over on the other side as he can get.
4. The Moody Blues
Menopausal women are known for their mood swings, caused by the fluctuation hormones raging through your body. People close to you will recognize these symptoms which are a result of the change, so the anxiety, irritability and crying jags are written off and easily forgiven. If the mental ups and downs become overwhelming however or begin to affect your public and work relationships, consider seeking help. For the most part, these physical and mental symptoms will pass. You just need to hang on for the ride.
5. Not Tonight Honey
Lack of interest in sex is another side effect that women in relationships should work to overcome or try to ignore. Adding fun oils and lubrication to the party will help with the vaginal dryness. And after putting up with the roller coaster of emotions, your partner deserves a little love. Having sex, cuddling and being close, while not high on your wish list these days, can prove to be an elixir after all.
