Occurring most often between the ages of 45 and 55, menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years, according to the National Institutes of Health. The symptoms of menopause are a result of the ovaries producing less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Menopause can last for about five years, and while the symptoms vary in each patient, the major symptoms include hot flashes, cessation of menstruation, insomnia, pounding heartbeats and body changes.
Hot Flashes
About 75 percent of women experience hot flashes during menopause, according to the Mayo Clinic. The National Institute on Aging defines hot flashes as a "sudden feeling of heat in the upper body or all of [the] body." While having a hot flash, the woman can also experience "skin flushing," when the skin becomes red overall or in blotches. The duration of a hot flashes typically ranges from 30 seconds to 10 minutes. Hot flashes also can occur at night, which are called night sweats, and can wake the woman from sleep. The NIH adds that the hot flashes and sweats are the worst during the first two years of menopause.
Cessation of Menstruation
When a woman reaches menopause, she no longer gets her period. The NIH states that the cessation of menstruation may be sudden or happen over time. If a woman has irregular periods instead of a complete stop, those symptoms can last for a year to three years. The NIA adds that the woman may have her periods close together, they may last longer than a week, or she can have spotting or heavy bleeding. The Mayo Clinic notes that once menstruation has stopped, the menopausal woman may experience vaginal dryness.
Insomnia
During menopause, the woman can have problems sleeping at night. The NIA states that insomnia is the most prevalent sleep problem with menopause, and during that time most woman have difficulty falling asleep or wake up during the night. Night sweats can also interfere with both the quality and amount of sleep.
Pounding Heart
The NIH states that a menopausal woman may notice that her heart is racing or pounding. She may have palpitations, in which she has an irregular heart beat. The woman may have just that symptom, or may have a pounding heart along with the hot flashes.
Body Changes
Many women experience changes in their bodies while they go through menopause. The Mayo Clinic notes that body changes include increased abdominal fat, thinning of hair, and a loss of breast fullness. The NIA adds that the patient may also lose some of her muscle mass and have aching joints.
