What are the symptoms of menopause?
Nov 20, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
Introduction
In general, symptoms of menopause may include menstrual changes, hot flashes and night sweats, mood swings, sleep disturbances, osteoporosis, etc. During the period before menopause, a patient's menstrual cycle may become irregular, including shortened or prolonged cycles, or increased or decreased menstrual flow. Patients are advised to seek medical attention promptly if they experience discomfort and to receive standardized treatment under the guidance of a physician.
Generally, symptoms of menopause may include menstrual changes, hot flashes and night sweats, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and osteoporosis. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Menstrual Changes
In the period leading up to menopause, a woman's menstrual cycle often becomes irregular, including shortened or prolonged cycles, and increased or decreased menstrual flow. Over time, menstrual flow gradually decreases and cycles become shorter until menstruation eventually stops completely.
2. Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
In the period before menopause, women frequently experience hot flashes and night sweats, which typically occur at night and manifest as sudden body heat and sweating, sometimes severe enough to wake them from sleep. These episodes can last from several minutes to several hours and significantly affect sleep quality.
3. Mood Swings
Women approaching menopause often experience noticeable mood fluctuations, such as feelings of depression, anxiety, and irritability. These symptoms are likely related to hormonal changes in the body.
4. Sleep Disturbances
Women before menopause may develop sleep problems, including insomnia, vivid dreams, and frequent awakenings. These issues may be caused by hormonal fluctuations.
5. Osteoporosis
Menopausal women are also prone to developing osteoporosis, characterized by bone pain and an increased risk of fractures. This occurs due to declining estrogen levels, which reduce inhibition of osteoclasts, leading to accelerated bone loss, decreased bone mass, and increased porosity within the bones.
Patients experiencing discomfort should seek medical attention promptly and receive standardized treatment under a doctor’s guidance, which helps promote recovery.
