The end of a woman’s menstrual cycle, known as menopause, typically occurs in the late 40s or 50s. It is a natural biological process that marks the end of the reproductive years and is typically diagnosed when a woman has gone through 12 consecutive months without having a menstrual period. Women may experience various uncomfortable signs and symptoms leading up to this period, making daily activities challenging. Here are some indications of menopause.

Anxiety
The menopause period brings a lot of hormonal changes that can have physical and psychological effects. Commonly experienced feelings include stress, anxiety, and depression. Seeking the help of a therapist is usually recommended to manage these emotional changes. Additionally, joining a support group can benefit those going through these changes.

Difficulty sleeping
It can be challenging for women experiencing menopause symptoms, especially when getting enough sleep. Insomnia is a significant concern for many women due to the various symptoms they may be experiencing, such as anxiety, hot flashes, and night sweats. While treatments are available to help with sleep, it’s important to note that these symptoms can persist for years and won’t go away quickly. Seeking guidance from a healthcare professional can help manage these symptoms.

Hot flashes
It can be frustrating and uncomfortable to experience sudden changes in body temperature, especially during menopause. Hot flashes are a common symptom that can occur at any time of day or night, leading to night sweats and feelings of anxiety. These hot flashes often affect the neck, face, and chest and can cause the skin to become red and sweaty.

Heavy menstrual bleeding
The transition to menopause, known as perimenopause, can bring about a range of symptoms and changes in a woman’s body. While not all women will experience the same symptoms, the intensity and duration of these symptoms can vary widely. One of the hallmark signs is irregular menstrual cycles. This can include shorter or longer cycles, skipped periods, sometimes heavy menstrual bleeding, and sometimes light.

Recurrent UTIs
As women go through perimenopause and menopause, there is a significant decrease in the production of estrogen, a hormone that helps in maintaining the health of the urinary tract. Lower estrogen levels can affect the urinary tract and cause thinning of the urethral and vaginal tissues. This could make it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract and cause infections. It may also get difficult to empty the bladder, increasing infection chances.

It is imperative to consult a gynecologist to gain a comprehensive understanding of the signs and symptoms associated with menopause.