Menopause is defined as the time that occurs 12 months after a woman stops having a menstrual cycle. The time period after this is referred to as post-menopause. After menopause, pregnancy is no longer possible. Menopause also occurs if both of a woman's ovaries are removed, and some experts consider menopause to have occurred if a woman's uterus is removed. Some women have a difficult adjustment to no longer being able to bear children. Hormone levels adjust as menopause approaches, causing many physical and emotional changes. Your physician can help you deal with these common menopausal problems.
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes occur as a feeling of intense warmth over the face; the face, arms and trunk; or the whole body. This feeling lasts up to 10 minutes and is often followed by a cold feeling. You may sweat during this time or immediately after it, leaving your skin clammy. Your face and neck may turn red or you may have red splotches on your upper body. This often happens at night, and is called night sweats. Hot flashes are temporary and will cease post-menopause.
Loss of Sexual Interest
You may lose interest in sex, or your sexual desire may be diminished. This, like the other symptoms, is primarily due to hormonal changes. This lack of interest may or may not improve post-menopause.
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness and itching is common during menopause. This can cause pain during sexual intercourse. These symptoms are due to the lining of the vagina becoming thinner and more fragile. These changes remain post-menopause.
Mood Swings
Some women feel moody, depressed or irritable during menopause. This is thought to be related to hormonal changes and usually improves post-menopause.
Bladder Weakness
Many menopausal women experience bladder weakness. This is due to the area around the bladder becoming thin. You may notice that you have to void more often or that you experience mild pain when you urinate. You may have difficulty getting to the bathroom in time or you may have accidents when you laugh, cough or sneeze. This symptom does not improve post-menopause.
Insomnia
Some women are disturbed by insomnia during menopause. You may have difficulty falling asleep or going back to sleep after awakening. This may be exacerbated by hot flashes during the night or needing to void at night. Insomnia should resolve post-menopause.
Bone Loss
According to the National Institute on Aging, bone loss begins to occur at menopause. This can lead to osteoporosis, bone breakage, disability and pain. Some women develop a condition in which they appear to be humped over instead of standing straight.
Heart Problems
Estrogen, a sex hormone that decreases during menopause, is considered to be heart-protective. According to the Hormone Foundation, when a woman's estrogen level declines, her risk of heart disease increases. This risk increases post-menopause.
Memory Problems
Some women complain that they develop memory difficulties around the time of menopause, but experts are conflicted as to whether this is related to hormonal changes. This problem may or may not improve post-menopause.
Other Physical Changes
Other physical changes that some women notice include increased fat around the abdomen and decreased fat in the breasts. Some women experience hair thinning and feel that their skin is more fragile. You may notice that your muscles and joints ache more often than usual. These issues usually do not resolve post-menopause.
